Answer – ATP is important because it is the key source of energy for various cellular processes.
Explanation:
The full form of ATP is adenosine triphosphate.
It is a molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and phosphorus. A chain of three phosphates (PO43-) is attached to an adenosine (C10H13N5O4).
Upon hydrolysis – which for ATP is a catabolic reaction – one phosphate group is detached from the molecule to produce ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate group (Pi) accompanied by a large amount of energy. This energy can then be used by the cell to fuel various metabolic processes such as active transport, fermentation, glycolysis, cell division and photosynthesis.
If more energy is required, the ADP can be further hydrolyzed to produce AMP (adenosine monophosphate) and Pi.
The hydrolysis reactions involving ATP are reversible. Thus as a source of energy, it is also rechargeable. The inorganic phosphate groups can be reattached to the ADP or AMP, and thus be ready to be hydrolyzed once again.
