Where is the energy stored in ATP molecules?

The energy in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules is primarily stored in the high-energy phosphate bonds. ATP is composed of three phosphate groups (tri-phosphate), and the bonds between these phosphate groups contain a significant amount of potential energy.

When ATP is hydrolyzed, which means it undergoes a chemical reaction where water is used to break these phosphate bonds, the energy stored in these bonds is released. This energy can then be used by cells to perform various cellular processes and activities, such as muscle contraction, active transport across cell membranes, and synthesis of macromolecules like proteins and DNA. So, the energy stored in the phosphate bonds of ATP is essential for driving various cellular functions and maintaining the overall energy balance in living organisms.