What does ATP stand for?

ATP stands for Adenosine Triphosphate, which is a crucial molecule in biology, serving as the primary energy carrier in living organisms. It consists of an adenosine molecule bonded to three phosphate groups. The high-energy bonds between these phosphate groups release energy that can be harnessed for various cellular processes, such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biochemical synthesis.

The presence of three phosphate groups is integral to ATP's functionality, as the breaking of the bond with the terminal phosphate group releases energy. This process is fundamental to metabolism and energy transfer within cells. Understanding ATP’s structure and function is vital in biology, particularly when studying how organisms obtain and utilize energy.