Adénosine Triphosphate
Why is ATP Important?
When a biological cell processes food - substances containing carbon, for example - the energy created is stored as ATP. The ATP molecule is then used to perform work functions by donating Phosphate groups. During this donation process, ATP is reduced to smaller, less energetic molecules, such as Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) or Adenosine Monophsphate (AMP). These molecules are then recycled and recharged into ATP with more food consumption. This process is the central metabolic pathway of life and applies to any living organism!
