What is the role of ADP?

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is similar to a partially charged battery in that it is made up of two or three phosphate groups, a sugar called ribose, and the nucleotide adenine. The bonds that hold the three phosphate groups together are very energy-intensive to form and release a significant amount of energy when they break.

Through the process of cellular respiration, glucose provides the energy to rebuild ADP and a phosphate group into ATP. When ATP is used to provide energy for cellular activities, the bond between the second and the third phosphate groups is broken and energy is released.

ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) serves as an important molecule in cellular energy transfer, acting as a precursor to ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). When energy is needed, ATP loses a phosphate group, becoming ADP, releasing energy for cellular processes.