The energy in a storage molecule is stored within the chemical bonds of the molecule. Here's a breakdown:

* Chemical Bonds: These are the forces that hold atoms together within a molecule. When bonds form, energy is released. To break those bonds, energy is required.

* Storage Molecules: These molecules are designed to hold energy in their chemical bonds. When the bonds are broken, energy is released, making it available for the organism to use.

Examples of Storage Molecules:

* Carbohydrates: Like glucose (sugar) and starch, store energy in the bonds between carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

* Lipids (Fats): Store even more energy per gram than carbohydrates, due to the higher proportion of carbon-hydrogen bonds.

* Proteins: Can be used for energy storage, although this is usually a last resort for organisms.

The Process:

1. Energy Input: Organisms take in energy from sources like sunlight (photosynthesis) or food.

2. Bond Formation: This energy is used to create new chemical bonds within storage molecules, storing the energy.

3. Bond Breaking: When an organism needs energy, it breaks the chemical bonds in these storage molecules.

4. Energy Release: The breaking of bonds releases energy, which can be used for various functions, like growth, movement, or maintaining body temperature.

Key Takeaway: Energy is stored in the chemical bonds of storage molecules. When those bonds are broken, the energy is released.