ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the molecule that stores and transports chemical energy within cells. It is produced through cellular respiration in the mitochondria and provides energy for important bodily functions like muscle contraction and protein synthesis. ATP is made up of adenosine and three phosphate groups, and the energy from breaking these phosphate bonds is used to power cellular work. During aerobic respiration of glucose, 38 ATP molecules are produced, while fatty acid respiration yields 129 ATP molecules to fuel longer duration exercise lasting over a minute.