What does ATP stand for in biology?

In biology, "ATP" stands for "adenosine triphosphate", an important molecule. ATP is a coenzyme that cells use for energy storage and is necessary for essential life functions in plants and animals. The energy in carbohydrates and lipids must be transferred to ATP, which then provides fuel for cellular activities.

In animals, ATP is a product of glycolysis and Kreb's cycle, while in plants it generally comes from phosphorylation during photosynthesis. When energy is used, ATP converts to adenosine diphosphate, or ADP, a chemical that can then be recharged with energy to become ATP again. Because of this, an organism's supply of ATP + ADP is constant, although the relative balance of the two fluctuates according to the organism's energy level.