What is one role of ATP in cellular processes?

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, plays a crucial role in cellular processes by acting as the primary energy currency of the cell. When ATP is hydrolyzed, it releases energy stored in its high-energy phosphate bonds. This energy is utilized to drive various metabolic reactions, including muscle contractions, active transport across cell membranes, and biochemical synthesis. The immediate availability of energy from ATP makes it a key player in sustaining cellular functions.

In contrast, long-term energy storage is primarily managed by molecules such as fats and carbohydrates instead of ATP. While ATP is involved in some synthesis processes, such as the synthesis of nucleic acids, its fundamental role is not as a building block but as an energy provider. Additionally, ATP does not play a direct role in fat digestion, which involves enzymes and other processes. Thus, the statement that ATP releases energy for metabolic reactions aptly characterizes its essential function in cellular biology.