ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate. It is a high-energy molecule found in all living cells that serves as the primary energy currency for cellular processes
. ATP consists of three main components: a nitrogenous base called adenine, a sugar called ribose, and three phosphate groups linked in a chain
. Cells use ATP to store and transfer energy needed for various functions such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, chemical synthesis, and intracellular transport
. When ATP loses one of its phosphate groups through a process called hydrolysis, it releases energy and becomes adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or adenosine monophosphate (AMP)
. ATP is continuously regenerated in cells, mainly by cellular respiration and the enzyme ATP synthase in mitochondria
. In addition to its biochemical meaning, ATP can also be used as slang for "at this point" or "answer the phone" in informal communication, but its primary and most recognized meaning relates to the energy molecule in biology
