Adenosine Triphosphate
The nucleotide that acts as the universal energy currency of living cells.
Formula / equation
ATP + H₂O → ADP + Pᵢ
Unit
kJ/mol
In depth
Hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate releases about 30 kJ/mol under cellular conditions, enough to drive most biosynthetic steps when coupled to them. ATP is not a store but a carrier: the body turns over roughly its own mass in ATP each day.
Examples in the real world
Powering muscle contraction, active transport across membranes, and every biosynthetic pathway.