ATP key terms

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, used by the cells for energy

Nucleotide derivative

A modified form of a nucleotide. ATP qualifies because it has the base, sugar and phosphate of a nucleotide, but with three phosphate groups instead of one

Inorganic phosphate

The name given to a single phosphate groups released on its own during the hydrolysis of ATP

Adenosine triphosphate

A molecule containing three phosphate groups

Adenosine diphosphate

A molecule containing two phosphate groups, formed when ATP is hydrolysed

Phosphorylation

Adding a phosphate group to another molecule to make it more reactive

Coupling

Joining ATP hydrolysis to an energy-requiring reaction, so the energy released is channeled straight into the reaction that needs it