Final answer:
ATP is the energy currency of the cell and plays a vital role in cellular metabolism. It stores and releases energy to fuel cellular activities and supports various functions such as muscle contraction and nerve cell activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
ATP plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It serves as the energy currency of the cell, storing and releasing energy to support endergonic chemical reactions. When ATP is used for energy, a phosphate group is detached, resulting in the production of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and releasing a controlled amount of energy. ATP is involved in various cellular functions, such as muscle contraction, nerve cell activity, and the synthesis of organic molecules.