1 Chemically, ATP is an adenine nucleotide bound to three phosphates. 2  There is a lot of energy stored in the bond between the second and third phosphate groups that can be used to fuel chemical reactions. 3  When a cell needs energy, it breaks this bond to form adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and a free phosphate molecule.
calf muscle pump. calf muscle pump. an action of the calf (soleus) muscles in which the muscles contract and squeeze the popliteal and tibial veins, forcing the blood in those veins to move upward toward the heart. Also called soleus pump.
Scientists now agree that ATP serves at least two functions in skeletal muscle systems: First, ATP disconnects actin from myosin, and second, ATP is hydrolyzed by the myosin molecule to produce the energy required for muscle contraction. The cross-bridge generates force, and actin displaces the reaction products (ADP and Pi) from the myosin cross-bridge. 2  This is the rate-limiting step of contraction.