The term "ATP" refers to adenosine triphosphate, which is a molecule found in all living cells. It serves as a primary energy carrier, providing the energy necessary for many cellular processes such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biosynthesis. ATP consists of adenosine and three phosphate groups, and when one of these phosphate bonds is broken, energy is released, which can then be utilized by the cell.
The term "ATP" is derived from its full name, adenosine triphosphate. The prefix "adenosine" comes from "adenine," a nucleotide that forms part of ATP, combined with "sugar" (ribose). "Triphosphate" indicates the presence of three phosphate groups attached to the molecule.