ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) plays two key roles: it acts as a signaling molecule and is crucial for energy transfer in biological systems.
ADP as a Signaling Molecule
- ADP interacts with specific receptors on platelets, including P2Y1, P2Y12, and P2X1 (Murugappa and Kunapuli, 2006). This interaction is essential for platelet activation and aggregation, which are critical processes in blood clotting.
ADP in Energy Transfer
- ADP is involved in ADP–ATP cycling, which is a fundamental process for energy transfer within biological systems (Berg et al., 2013). This cycling allows for the movement of energy from one source to another, powering various cellular functions. It's a thermodynamic process essential for life.
In summary, ADP functions both as a signaling molecule that affects platelet behavior and as a key component in cellular energy transfer.
