In order to perform exercise or muscular work the body must be able to create energy. What is the common factor for virtually all cells in the body?

As you might guess from its name, a molecule of ATP includes an organic compound called adenosine and three phosphate groups. When one of the phosphates is cleaved or broken away from ATP, energy is released. The products remaining after the reaction are adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and an independent inorganic phosphate group [Pi]. In a mirror image of this reaction, the body regenerates ATP by adding a phosphate group to ADP. In this way, we continually provide energy to our cells.