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AAT Bioquest

How does ADP store energy?

Posted August 2, 2021


Answer

ADP stores energy in the bonds joining the phosphate groups.

ADP stands for adenosine diphosphate. It is a nucleoside phosphate comprised of one adenine molecule, a ribose sugar and two phosphate groups bonded in series to the 5′ carbon of the pentose sugar via high-energy bonds. These bonds are where the ADP stores energy. When energy is needed, ADP cleaves its second phosphate group, releasing energy stored within the bond.

Additional resources

Nutrition and Training Influences on the Regulation of Mitochondrial Adenosine Diphosphate Sensitivity and Bioenergetics

PhosphoWorks™ Luminometric ATP Assay Kit *Steady Glow*