Biochemistry
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
The primary energy currency of cells. A molecule that stores and transfers energy for cellular processes, releasing energy when its phosphate bonds are broken.
Biological Context
Nearly all cellular work—muscle contraction, nerve impulses, protein synthesis, transport across membranes—is powered by ATP. Cells constantly break down ATP to release energy and then regenerate it using energy from food or sunlight. A human uses approximately their body weight in ATP daily.