What molecule acts like a battery for a cell and provides energy for daily processes?

1 Answer
Apr 6, 2016

ATP is the molecule that provides energy for cells in daily processes. It is produced from respiration in the mitochondria.

Explanation:

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate. An ATP molecule has a head of adenose sugar and a tail of three phosphate groups. Energy is stored in the bonds between phosphate groups, so when your body needs energy, it breaks off some phosphate and releases energy to the immediate environment.

Muscle contraction is a good example of where energy from ATP is used. Also, active transport, where molecules are brought into cells against their concentration gradient, requires ATP energy to make the membranous protein channels bring things inside.

Respiration is the process by which ATP is made. We take in glucose (sugar) and oxygen (from inhaling) and release carbon dioxide (which we exhale), water, and energy. The energy (originally in glucose) is locked into the ATP molecules.

Adenosine triphosphate is not long-lasting, it cannot store energy for longer than a short period of time, so it has to be made when and where it is needed.