Explain the term "Energy Currency". Which substance acts as energy currency in plants and animals?

(N/A) The term "Energy Currency" refers to a molecule that stores and provides energy for various cellular processes. $ATP$ (Adenosine Triphosphate) is known as the energy currency of the cell because it stores energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds, which can be readily released when needed.
In plants and animals, $ATP$ acts as the primary energy currency. While other molecules like $GTP$, $CTP$, and $UTP$ can also act as energy donors, $ATP$ is the most universal.
The hydrolysis of $ATP$ into $ADP$ and inorganic phosphate $(\Pi)$ releases approximately $7.3 \text{ kcal/mol}$ of energy, which powers various biochemical processes.
$ATP$ functions effectively as an energy carrier because:
$(i)$ Energy is stored in small, manageable packets, minimizing energy loss during transport.
$(ii)$ It can be easily transported from the site of production to the site of utilization within the cell.
$(iii)$ It provides a continuous and immediate supply of energy for essential cellular tasks.