High-energy phosphate

High-energy phosphate (pronunciation: /haɪ ˈɛnərdʒi ˈfɑːsfeɪt/) refers to a phosphate molecule that is associated with a high energy bond. This term is most commonly used in biochemistry to refer to molecules like adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate, which can donate phosphate groups to other molecules during cellular metabolism.

Etymology

The term "high-energy phosphate" is derived from the fact that these molecules contain phosphate groups that are associated with a high amount of energy. The term "phosphate" comes from the Greek words "phos" meaning "light" and "ate" meaning "state of", referring to the fact that phosphorus was first discovered through its use in light production.

Related terms

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): A high-energy molecule that is used by cells as a universal source of energy.
Creatine phosphate: A molecule that can quickly donate a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP during periods of high energy demand.
Phosphocreatine: Another name for creatine phosphate.
Phosphorylation: The process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule, often from ATP.
Bioenergetics: The study of energy flow through living systems, often involving high-energy phosphates.