The primary energy transferring molecule in cells is adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP serves as a key energy currency in all living organisms. It is produced during cellular respiration and is used to power various biological processes. When a cell requires energy, ATP is broken down into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and an inorganic phosphate, releasing energy that can be utilized for cellular functions such as muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and active transport of molecules across cell membranes.
The structure of ATP consists of adenosine, which is a nucleotide made of an adenine base attached to a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups. The high-energy bonds between the phosphate groups store large amounts of energy, making ATP an efficient means of transferring energy within the cell.