ATP (or adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule capable of storing small amounts of energy (from food breakdown) in its chemical bonds.
When cells need energy to perform various metabolic functions, the ATP molecule breaks down (by hydrolysis).
Then, the bond between the second and third phosphate breaks, releasing <u>energy</u>, leaving one ADP (adenosine diphosphate) moleculeand a free phosphate group.
This is due to the 10% Rule. The 10% Rule states that on average 90% of energy stays at its current level while 10% is passed down when the holder of the energy is consumed.
