What role does ATP play in metabolism?

1 Answer
Stuart W.
Nov 12, 2015

ATP is the molecule that transfers energy throughout a cell.

Explanation:

Energy is not something that can exist freely in a cell. It needs a molecule to carry that energy; in a cell this molecule is ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).

The energy is used by breaking off one of the phosphates (Triphosphate = 3 Phosphate Ions) and using the chemical energy to power whatever it is the cell is using the energy for.

The ATP then becomes ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) and has less energy (but still a little left over). ADP can also be used in a cell, but is often re-energized by Mitochondria to become ATP once more.

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