Adenosine Triphosphate, or ATP, is a nucleoside triphosphate produced by the Mitochondria of living cells. This means the molecule consists of five smaller molecules; An Adenine as the base molecule, a Ribose as the sugar molecule, and three Phosphate molecules, which is where the Triphosphate name originates. The molecule’s role is to provide energy for cell operations. When hydrolyzed, meaning it undergoes a reaction with water, one phosphate molecule breaks its bond, and the ATP molecule becomes ADP, or Adenosine Diphosphate. This releases energy in the form of a phosphate molecule which can be used to power active transport, cell communication, and general movement of cells. Once used, glucose molecules can be broken down by the cell to energize and thus “reattach” the phosphate molecule to the ADP, becoming ATP. The ATP can then be used again, restarting the cycle.

Download File