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ATP Structure

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State

ATP, adenosine triphosphate, is a nucleoside bound to three phosphate groups, its two outer phosphate bonds high-energy because their breakdown releases substantial free energy.

Show

ATP's three linked, negatively charged phosphates repel each other, making the molecule inherently unstable and quick to release energy on demand.

Watch for

Not every bond in ATP is high-energy — only the two linking its outer phosphate groups qualify.