Yes, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is considered a nucleic acid.
Understanding ATP and Nucleic Acids
ATP is a nucleoside triphosphate, composed of three phosphate groups, a ribose sugar, and an adenine nitrogenous base. These components are fundamental building blocks also found in nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. The presence of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and phosphate groups makes ATP structurally similar to the nucleotides that form DNA and RNA.
Several sources explicitly state that ATP is a nucleic acid compound. This is supported by multiple sources including homework.study.com and LibreTexts. While ATP's primary function is energy transfer within cells, its structural similarity to the building blocks of DNA and RNA places it within the broader category of nucleic acids.
While ATP shares structural similarities with the nucleotides that compose DNA and RNA, it's crucial to note its distinct role. ATP functions primarily as an energy currency, whereas DNA and RNA are primarily information carriers. However, this functional distinction doesn't negate ATP's classification as a nucleic acid. The key is the structural components, not solely the function. Furthermore, examples illustrate its interaction with nucleic acids: ATP's role in processes involving RNA, such as translation initiation and the modulation of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein, highlight its intimate relationship with nucleic acids within the cell.
In summary: Based on its structural components, ATP is classified as a nucleic acid. Its unique function as an energy carrier does not preclude this classification.
