Which molecule is produced when ATP loses a phosphate group?

When ATP (adenosine triphosphate) loses a phosphate group, it is converted into ADP (adenosine diphosphate). ATP contains three phosphate groups, and the release of one of these phosphate groups is a hydrolysis reaction that also releases energy, which is used by the cell to perform work.

The conversion of ATP to ADP is fundamental to cellular energy metabolism. This process can be represented simply by the equation:

ATP → ADP + Pi + Energy

In this reaction, Pi stands for an inorganic phosphate. When the bond between the last phosphate group in ATP is broken, energy is released, and ADP becomes the resultant molecule with one less phosphate group.

The choice of ADP is correct because it specifically refers to the molecule that is formed after the loss of one phosphate group from ATP. This concept is crucial in understanding cellular respiration and energy transfer within cells.