Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Adenosine triphosphate
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
Diagram showing the steps of ATP production in a cell, with glucose entering through the cell membrane, glycolysis in the cytoplasm, and further ATP generated inside a mitochondrion through the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Diagram showing the chemical structures of four small organic molecules: glucose (a sugar), glycine (an amino acid), myristic acid (a fatty acid), and adenosine triphosphate or ATP (a nucleotide), each labeled to illustrate their molecular composition and family.
How does ATP provide energy to cells?
Diagram of a cell membrane showing three types of membrane transport: simple diffusion of small molecules, facilitated diffusion through transporter proteins, and primary active transport using ATP to move molecules across the membrane. Labels identify the hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails of phospholipids, as well as extracellular and intracellular surfaces. Diagram showing the process of cellular respiration, where glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide and water, with energy released as indicated by red arrows. The chemical equation C6H12O6 plus 6O2 yields 6CO2 plus 6H2O is displayed. Diagram showing the transfer of phosphate groups in cellular metabolism, with high-energy donors like phosphoenolpyruvate, 1,3-diphosphoglycerate, and phosphocreatine passing phosphate to ADP to form ATP, which then donates phosphate to low-energy acceptors such as glucose and glycerol. Vertical axis represents phosphate-group potential.
How does your body convert food into energy?
The Process of Photosynthesis in Plants Explained
How Does Photosynthesis Work in Plants?
Dark reactions in photosynthesis explained

Adenosine triphosphate: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Article title updated for style. Nov 11, 2026
Modified link of Web site: National Center for Biotechnology Information - Physiology, Adenosine Triphosphate. Oct 09, 2026
Add new Web site: University of Utah - Learn.Genetics - ATP. Aug 28, 2026
Add new Web site: Digital Commons at Lindenwood University - Health and ergogenic potential of oral adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) supplementation (PDF). Apr 12, 2026
Add new Web site: University of Minnesota - Human Biology - ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate. Feb 26, 2026
Add new Web site: Thompson River University - Introduction to Biology - ATP and Glycolysis. Aug 15, 2025
Add new Web site: Biology LibreTexts - ATP- Adenosine Triphosphate. May 24, 2025
Add new Web site: The University of Chicago Press Journals - Imaging Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) (PDF). Aug 01, 2024
Add new Web site: CalState-Pressbooks Network - Nutrition and Physical Fitness - Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). May 21, 2024
Add new Web site: Verywell Health - What Is ATP? May 20, 2024
Add new Web site: The University of Hawaiʻi Pressbooks - Adenosine Triphosphate. Aug 18, 2023
Corrected display issue. Mar 20, 2023
Add new Web site: OpenStax - Biology 2e - ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate. Oct 19, 2022
Rearranged media. Mar 17, 2022
Cross-references added. Mar 12, 2020
Added an illustration showing the processes of ATP production. Mar 12, 2020
Corrected display issue. Sep 20, 2018
Add new Web site: National Center for Biotechnology Information - Physiology, Adenosine Triphosphate. Mar 13, 2018
Add new Web site: University of Bristol - School of Chemistry - Adenosine Triphosphate. Aug 19, 2016
Added a video explaining the role of ATP as the primary energy-carrying molecule in cells. Oct 13, 2011
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Science - Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). Feb 02, 2009
New illustration added. Jan 16, 2009
Article revised. Jan 25, 1999
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
View Changes:
Article History
Revised:
By: