Adenosine Diphosphate

ADP is a high-energy compound occurring in all cells from which adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is formed. ATP is an important energy transfer molecule in cells.

ADP is the end-product that results when ATP loses one of its phosphate groups located at the end of the molecule. The conversion of these two molecules plays a critical role in supplying energy for many processes of life. ADP can be converted, or powered back to ATP through the process of releasing the chemical energy available in food; in humans this is constantly performed via aerobic respiration in the mitochondria.