Which molecule is primarily responsible for storing and transferring energy in the body?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary molecule responsible for storing and transferring energy in the body. ATP is often referred to as the energy currency of cells because it provides the energy necessary for various biological processes.

When ATP is broken down, it releases energy that can be used for cellular functions such as muscle contractions, nerve impulse propagation, and biochemical synthesis. The way ATP is structured—containing high-energy phosphate bonds—allows it to store energy effectively and release it quickly when needed.

While carbohydrates are important sources of energy, they must first be metabolized into glucose, and then ultimately converted into ATP before the energy can be utilized by the cells. Micronutrients, on the other hand, play vital roles in various metabolic functions but do not directly store or transfer energy. Carbon dioxide, while a byproduct of metabolism, does not function in energy storage or transfer in the body. Thus, ATP is uniquely positioned as the central molecule in energy metabolism.