Sonia SÃ³nia, Pedro.Ph. d is a research scientist and head Of instituto De investigacao InvestigaÃ§Ã£o das pescas E (DO) Mar Ipmar microbiology laboratory At The National research Institute Of (BIOLOGICAL) resources Inrb. In Portugal Maria, Leonor.Nunes. ph d is the scientific coordinator and principal SCIENTIST/OF inrb Ipimar. in portugal
It consists of an adenosine molecule and three inorganic phosphates. After a simple reaction breaking down ATP to ADP, the energy released from the breaking of a molecular bond is the energy we use to keep ourselves alive.
ATP is at a high level of chemical potential but the type of energy released from its hydrolysis depends on the application. The short answer is that the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP always releases heat, and if coupled with a cellular process it additionally produces either chemical potential (in another species) or work. Let me back up a bit, and note that ATP is a species that has a high degree of potential energy.