What is the energy currency released from carbohydrates?

The energy currency released from carbohydrates is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). When carbohydrates are metabolized, they undergo a series of biochemical reactions, primarily through processes such as glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, to generate ATP. ATP serves as the primary energy carrier in cells, providing the energy necessary for various cellular functions, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and biochemical synthesis.

Glucose, while a crucial carbohydrate and a primary substrate in energy production, itself is not the immediate energy currency; it needs to be broken down to produce ATP. Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic respiration and does not function as energy currency but reflects metabolic processes. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood, but it is also not involved in directly providing energy currency. Thus, ATP is the correct answer as it specifically signifies the usable form of energy in biological systems derived from carbohydrate metabolism.