Adenosine diphosphate, an important organic compound involved in energy transfer within cells. It can also refer to Automatic Data Processing, a business services company providing human resources and payroll solutions.
As a biochemical term, formed from adenosine (a nucleoside) plus diphosphate (indicating two phosphate groups). The compound was first identified and named in the early 20th century as scientists began understanding cellular energy mechanisms.
In cellular biology, ADP is like a rechargeable battery that's partially drained - it becomes ATP (the cell's energy currency) when it gains another phosphate group, then reverts to ADP when that energy is used. This cycle happens billions of times per second in every living cell.
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