(ATP), organic compound composed of adenine, the sugar ribose, and three phosphate
groups. ATP serves as the major energy source within the cell to drive a number of biological processes such as
photosynthesis, muscle contraction, and the synthesis of proteins. It is broken down by hydrolysis to yield adenosine
diphosphate (ADP), inorganic phosphorus, and energy. ADP can be further broken down to yield adenosine
monophosphate (AMP), additional phosphorus, and more energy. When the phosphorus and energy are immediately used
to drive other reactions, such as the synthesis of uridine diphosphate (UDP), an RNA precursor, from uridine
monophosphate (UMP), the pair of reactions are said to be coupled. New ATP is produced from AMP using the energy
released from the breakdown of fuel molecules, such as fats and sugars.
1
Extracellularly, ATP has been found to act as a neurotransmitter. ATP receptors are widespread through the body. On its
own it is known to have effects in the arteries, intestines, lungs, and bladder. It is also often released in tandem with other
neurotransmitters, perhaps to add chemical stability