What term describes the energy currency of the cell?

The term that describes the energy currency of the cell is ATP, or adenosine triphosphate. ATP is a molecule that stores and provides energy for various cellular processes. When a cell requires energy for activities such as muscle contraction, cell division, or active transport, it hydrolyzes ATP, releasing a phosphate group and transferring energy to the target process. The ability of ATP to release energy so readily makes it essential for powering cellular functions.

ADP (adenosine diphosphate) is closely related to ATP; it is what ATP becomes after the release of one phosphate group. While ADP can be converted back into ATP, it does not function as the primary energy currency in its unphosphorylated form.

NADH and FADH2 are important molecules in cellular respiration and play crucial roles in the electron transport chain, acting as electron carriers. However, they are not the direct energy currency of the cell. Instead, they help produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

In summary, ATP is specifically designed for carrying and delivering energy within cells, making it the most recognized and utilized form of energy currency in biological systems.