1. ATP acts as a carrier of chemical energy within cells, undergoing phosphorylation and hydrolysis reactions. 2. During hydrolysis, ATP is broken down into ADP + Pi, releasing energy that powers cellular work like transport, mechanical work, and chemical reactions. 3. ATP can be regenerated through phosphorylation reactions coupled to exergonic processes like cellular respiration, using the energy released to drive the endergonic phosphorylation of ADP back to ATP. This shuttling of energy from exergonic to endergonic reactions via ATP hydrolysis and regeneration is essential for powering metabolism.