Description
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an organic molecule that provides energy for various cell processes such as enzymatic reactions leading to nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and synthesis of chemicals. ATP is found in all life forms and is classified as a nucleoside triphosphate consisting of three components: a nitrogenous base (adenine), the sugar ribose, and the triphosphate group. It is produced in animals from serial enzymatic reactions such as glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation. In plants, sunlight is converted into ATP through a process known as photosynthesis. When used up metabolically, ATP is converted either to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or to adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Other enzymatic reactions occur to regenerate ATP (which is also a precursor to DNA and RNA) and additionally ATP is used as a coenzyme