# Explain why ATP is described as the 'energy currency' of the cell and describe what happens to ATP when it releases energy for use in cellular processes.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.6 ATP · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. ATP stores chemical energy (that can be released for cellular processes)
2. ATP can be broken down to release energy / energy is released when ATP is hydrolysed
3. ATP is broken down into ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi)
4. ATP can be resynthesised / ADP and Pi can be joined back together using energy (from respiration)
5. ATP is described as energy currency because it is used / transferred throughout the cell as a universal source of energy for many different processes (e.g. muscle contraction, active transport, protein synthesis)

## Key terms

- [ATP](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/atp)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-atp-is-described-as-9ce2889f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.