Phosphorylated sugars are carbohydrates that have a phosphate group attached to them. This modification often occurs during metabolic processes, such as glycolysis, where sugars like glucose are converted into energy. The addition of a phosphate group helps to activate the sugar, making it more reactive and facilitating its role in various biochemical pathways. These sugars play a crucial role in cellular functions, including energy storage and transfer. For example, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a key molecule that provides energy for many cellular processes, and it often interacts with phosphorylated sugars to drive reactions.