The energy carrying compound in the living cell is ATP.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding ATP**: ATP stands for Adenosine Triphosphate. It is a nucleotide that plays a crucial role in cellular energy transfer.

2. **Energy Capture**: ATP captures chemical energy from the breakdown of food molecules. This process occurs during cellular respiration, where glucose and other nutrients are converted into energy.

3. **Hydrolysis of ATP**: When ATP is hydrolyzed (broken down by the addition of water), it releases energy. This reaction converts ATP into ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate (Pi).

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