nucleotide A nucleotide consists of a nitrogen-containing base, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. Nucleotides can carry chemical energy (e.g. ATP), form coenzymes (e.g. CoA), be used as specific signaling molecules (e.g. cAMP) in the cell. Nucleotides are the subunits of the nucleic acids. CHEBI:25608 IMR:0001349 molecule_role nucleoside phosphate glycoside