AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the source of energy for use and storage at the cellular level. The structure of ATP is a nucleoside triphosphate, consisting of a nitrogenous base (adenine), a ribose sugar, and three serially bonded phosphate groups.

Detailed explanation-2: -ATP stores energy within the bonds between phosphate groups, especially the second and third. This bond is a source of potential chemical energy, and it’s kind of like a compressed spring.

Detailed explanation-3: -The cell has a special kind of molecule for storing that energy, and it’s called ATP. ATP (Adenosine tri-phosphate) is an important molecule found in all living things. Think of it as the “energy currency” of the cell.

Detailed explanation-4: -ATP can be used to store energy for future reactions or be withdrawn to pay for reactions when energy is required by the cell. Animals store the energy obtained from the breakdown of food as ATP. Likewise, plants capture and store the energy they derive from light during photosynthesis in ATP molecules.

Detailed explanation-5: -Potential energy is stored in an ATP molecule. It is like a battery that is ready to be used. When the cell needs energy it will break a phosphate bond within the ATP molecule and release energy for the cell to use.