Watch ‘What is the ATP Cycle’ produced by Jeremy LeCornu. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is a really important short-term energy storage compound in cells. ATP contains three phosphates and when it is converted to Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) a phosphate is removed and energy is released that cells can use for processes like movement, synthesis and active transport. Cells use ATP continuously, so after it is broken down it needs to be 'put back together'. This is why we the ATP Cycle is needed. To produce ATP from ADP + P energy is needed. This energy comes from cellular respiration (Aerobic Respiration or Fermentation).