What is the role of ATP in a cell?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a small molecule that acts as a coenzyme within a cell.
The main role of ATP is to provide energy. Below are the ways it provides energy which can described in an exam.
1) A source of energy.
2) An ATP molecule releases approximately 30kJ (mol^-1) of energy
3) Energy from an ATP molecule is released in small quantitites to prevent damage to the cell
4) Energy released is used for metabolism in the cell. Other reactions that require energy from ATP include; active transport/ muscle contraction/ glycolysis.

CR
Answered by Chloe R. Biology tutor

58230 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the concepts of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary


How to answer an exam question such as "how might action potential transmission be affected by multiple sclerosis, a nervous system disease characterised by damage to neuronal myelin sheaths"


Use your knowledge of the movement of water to explain why honey has antibacterial properties


How do you explain the change in membrane permeability as temperature increases?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning