ATP serves as a universal energy currency in cells. It is involved in various cellular activities such as:
- Muscle Contraction: ATP binds to myosin, allowing myosin to release actin and prepare for another contraction cycle. - Active Transport: ATP provides the energy required to pump ions and molecules across the cell membrane against their concentration gradient. - Biosynthesis: ATP is used in the synthesis of complex molecules like proteins and nucleic acids. - Cell Signaling: ATP is involved in signal transduction pathways and serves as a substrate for kinases in phosphorylation reactions.
