Like many other members of the B-vitamin family, Niacin is well-known for its role in energy metabolism (breaking down substances in the body to yield energy). Actually, niacin plays a part in the energy metabolism of all cells in the body. Another benefit of water-soluble vitamin is its versatility.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) , the energy currency or coin of the cell pictured in Figfures 1 and 2, transfers energy from chemical bonds to endergonic (energy absorbing) reactions within the cell.nergy is stored in the covalent bonds between phosphates, with the greatest amount of energy (approximately 7 kcal/mole) in the bond between the second and third phosphate groups. This covalent bond is known as a pyrophosphate bond.
The Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule is the nucleotide known in biochemistry as the molecular currency of intracellular energy transfer; that is, ATP is able to store and transport chemical energy within cells. ATP also plays an important role in the synthesis of nucleic acids. For 3-D Structure of this image using Jsmol Click here . Image: Molecular Structure of ATP. Energy is released by hydrolysis of the third phosphate group. After this third phosphate group is released, the resulting ADP (adenosine diphosphate) can absorb energy and regain the group, thus regenerating an ATP molecule; this allows ATP to store energy like a rechargeable battery.