The Importance of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in Living Organisms

What is adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and why is it essential for all living things?

How was the discovery of ATP made and by whom?

Answer:

Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) is a vital "energy molecule" present in all living things. It is a coenzyme that transfers energy to cells by releasing its phosphate groups when interacting with enzymes like ATP triphosphatase. The molecule consists of an adenine bicyclic system, a furanose ring, and a triphosphate chain.

ATP plays a crucial role in various biological processes such as muscular contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and protein synthesis. It is generated in mitochondria, serving as the principal energy source for these critical functions.

The discovery of ATP was reported in 1929 by two research teams. Cyrus H. Fiske and Yellapragada Subbarow isolated ATP from mammalian muscle and liver at Harvard Medical School. Karl Lohmann also discovered ATP in muscle tissues while working for the Kaiser Wilhelm Institutes in Berlin and Heidelberg.

In conclusion, ATP is a fundamental component in the energy transfer processes of living organisms, playing a vital role in sustaining life and driving essential functions within cells.