Adenosine triphosphate is considered a high-energy compound. but how is that energy transferred to the cellular machinery? adenosine triphosphate is considered a high-energy compound. but how is that energy transferred to the cellular machinery? atp is generated from anabolic reactions. therefore, it builds up electrons to transfer. atpase is used to combine phosphate molecules. this in turn provides energy for metabolism. the covalent bond between phosphates is broken down, releasing energy. decay of atp allows the release of pent-up energy.

The transfer steps of ATP into the cellular machinery are given below:

1. Glycolysis: (formation of Pyruvic acid)

2 ATPs + Glucose → 2 Pyruvic Acid + 4 Hydrogen + 4 ATPs

2. Formation of Acetyl CoA: (using the product of glycolysis)

2 Pyruvic Acid + 2 CoA → 2 Acetyl CoA + 2 Carbon Dioxide + 2 Hydrogen

3. Krebs Cycle:

2 Acetyl CoA + 3 O2 → 6 Hydrogen + 4 Carbon Dioxide + 2 ATPs

4. Electron Transport System:

12 Hydrogen + 3 O2 → 6 Water + 32 ATPs

Overall Reaction:

Glucose + 6 O2 → 6 Carbon Dioxide + 6 Water + 36 ATPs

The net numbers of ATP formed as the cellular machinery are 36 that are formed during the process of aerobic respiration or cellular respiration.