Adenosine Triphosphate

A phosphorus containing compound which stores energy (and which is created in the light dependent (first) stage of photosynthesis) and transports it to where metabolic activity is taking place. There are three component parts to this compound: Adenine (which is a nitrogen base), ribose sugar (a carbohydrate), and a chain of three-phosphate groups. It is often referred to as ATP. Energy is released when the bond between one of the phosphate groups (the outer one) is broken. The loss of this group leaves two phosphate groups behind resulting in a new compound called adenosine diphosphate.