Like many other members of the B-vitamin family, Niacin is well-known for its role in energy metabolism (breaking down substances in the body to yield energy). Actually, niacin plays a part in the energy metabolism of all cells in the body. Another benefit of water-soluble vitamin is its versatility.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) , the energy currency or coin of the cell pictured in Figfures 1 and 2, transfers energy from chemical bonds to endergonic (energy absorbing) reactions within the cell.nergy is stored in the covalent bonds between phosphates, with the greatest amount of energy (approximately 7 kcal/mole) in the bond between the second and third phosphate groups. This covalent bond is known as a pyrophosphate bond.
A Closer Look: Energy and ATP. The ATP molecule can store energy in the form of a high energy phosphate bond joining the terminal phosphate group to the rest of the molecule. In this form, energy can be stored at one location, then moved from one part of the cell to another, where it can be released to drive other biochemical reactions.