ATP (Adenosine Tri-phosphate) is a molecule that provides cells with energy by being broken down through hydrolysis reactions, releasing energy and leaving ADP and phosphate. Electron carriers like NADPH, NADH, and FADH2 indirectly provide energy to cells by assisting in ATP production, with NADPH carrying electrons in plant cells and NADH and FADH2 carrying electrons in plant and animal cells. ATP is broken down to release energy for cellular processes and then regenerated through electron transport processes aided by electron carriers.