Scientists Say: ATP | Science News for Students

Scientists Say: ATP

Adenosine triphosphate is the rechargeable battery that runs our cells
Mar 13, 2017 — 6:50 am EST

This is a molecule of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. The phosphate groups are dangling in a line on the left. Snapping off one of those groups produces a burst of energy.

NEUROtiker/Wikimedia Commons

Adenosine triphosphate, ATP (noun, “Ah-DEN-oh-seen Try-FOS-fate”)

This molecule is the main source of energy for cells. It has two main parts. One is adenosine. (You may have heard of adenosine’s other job — as one of the components in DNA.) The other is a chain of three phosphate groups. Each phosphate is made of a phosphorus atom with four oxygen atoms. When a cell needs energy, it breaks one of the phosphate groups off the adenosine. That turns the ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Breaking the bond also releases energy the cell can use. Mitochondria — structures found inside the cell — turn ADP back into ATP. This recharges the tiny chemical batteries so they can be used again.

In a sentence

Some bodybuilders take the supplement creatine to make more ATP and increase their body building power — which can be dangerous for their liver and kidneys.  

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Power Words

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adenosine     A molecule in the body made from a sugar bound to a nitrogen-based material. It helps the body transport energy in molecules such as ATP. It also promotes sleep in people.


ATP     See adenosine triphosphate.





creatine     A nitrogen-based compound made naturally by animals with backbones. It helps their bodies supply energy to cells, especially the making up muscle.


kidney     Each in a pair of organs in mammals that filters blood and produces urine.


mitochondria     (sing. mitochondrion ) A structure in all cells (except bacteria and archaea) found outside of their nuclei. Here the cell breaks down nutrients and converts them into a form of energy known as ATP.




supplement     (verb) To add to something. (in nutrition) Something taken in pill or liquid form — often a vitamin or mineral — to improve the diet. For instance, it may provide more of some nutrient that is believed to benefit health.