What is the role of ATP in cellular processes?

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is fundamentally known as the energy currency of the cell. Its primary role is to store and provide energy for many biochemical reactions that sustain cellular functions. When ATP is broken down through hydrolysis, it releases energy that can be harnessed for various processes such as muscle contraction, active transport across cell membranes, and biochemical synthesis, among others.

Cells produce ATP in several ways, predominantly through cellular respiration, which includes processes like glycolysis and the electron transport chain. This capacity to rapidly generate and use ATP allows cells to maintain their metabolic processes effectively. By acting as a transportable source of energy, ATP plays a vital role in enabling the diverse and energy-consuming activities that occur within living organisms.