An organic compound from adenosine, which is formed by the hydrolysis of yeast nucleic acids. All living things need a continual supply of energy in order to function. Animals obtain their energy by oxidizing foods, plants obtain energy by using chlorophyll to trap sunlight. However, before the energy can be implemented, it must first be changed into a form that the organism can readily use. This special form, or carrier of energy, is the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In humans, ATP serves as the major energy source within the cell to drive a number of biological processes such as protein synthesis. The cell breaks down ATP by hydrolysis to yield adenosine diphosphate (ADP), which is then further broken down to yield adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Research into topically applied adenosine triphosphate is just beginning, but it appears to have strong potential as a cell-communicating ingredient and as an inflammation modulator (Sources: The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Volume 124, Issue 4, April 2005, pages 756-763; Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2004, pages 90-96).