What does ATP stand for, and what is its function?

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, and it serves as the primary energy currency in cells. This molecule is critical for various cellular processes because it provides the energy required for biochemical reactions. When ATP is hydrolyzed—meaning it reacts with water—one of its high-energy phosphate bonds is broken, releasing energy that can be used for activities such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biosynthesis.

Unlike structural components of cell membranes or genetic carriers, ATP’s main role is to transfer and store energy within cells. It is continually synthesized and broken down as cells require energy, highlighting its role as a dynamic energy source in metabolic pathways. Thus, when we refer to ATP as the energy currency of the cell, we emphasize its function in energizing biochemical work, making it a fundamental molecule in biology.