Living cells require energy to perform their various functions. This energy is obtained via the process of RESPIRATION, which is the breakdown of food molecules in order to convert the stored energy in them to a usable form by the cell. The usable form of energy by living cells is Adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP is the energy currency of the cell released during cell respiration. ATP is structurally composed of Adenine (a nitrogenous base), Ribose (a pentose sugar) and three phosphate groups. ATP is a high energy carrying molecule that stores energy in the bonds that hold its phosphate group. This energy is released for use by the cell when one of the phosphate groups is released to form Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) molecule.
