ABSTRACT
The role of ATP in metabolism Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as the central link between energy-yielding metabolic pathways and energy expenditure in physical and chemical work. The oxidation of metabolic fuels is linked to the phosphorylation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to ATP, whereas the expenditure of metabolic energy for the synthesis of body constituents, transport of compounds across cell membranes, and the contraction of muscle results in the hydrolysis of ATP to yield ADP and phosphate ions. The total body content of ATP + ADP is under 350 mmol (about 10 g), but the amount of ATP synthesised and used each day is about 100 mol-about 70 kg, an amount equal to body weight.
