What is ATP and its role in metabolism?

ATP – or adenosine triphosphate – is the main carrier of energy in all living organisms on Earth. Microorganisms capture and store energy metabolized from food and light sources in the form of ATP.
When the cell requires energy, ATP is destroyed by hydrolysis. The high-energy bond is broken and the phosphoryl group is removed. The energy released from this process is used to control various cellular processes. ATP is constantly being formed and destroyed as it participates in biological reactions and is central to the health and growth of all life. Without this, cells could not transfer energy from one place to another, making it impossible for organisms to grow and reproduce.