How is energy released from ATP?

Energy is released from ATP through the hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate group. In the ATP molecule, there are three phosphate groups linked together. The bond connecting the terminal phosphate group to the rest of the molecule is high-energy, and when this bond is broken via hydrolysis, ATP is transformed into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate (Pi). This reaction releases energy, which can then be harnessed by the cell to perform work, such as muscle contractions, active transport across membranes, and metabolic reactions.

The concept of hydrolysis is crucial here, as it specifically refers to the chemical reaction involving the addition of water to break a bond. This process not only releases energy but also involves a transition from a higher-energy molecule (ATP) to a lower-energy state (ADP). The efficient release of energy through this mechanism makes ATP a key energy currency in biological systems, allowing cells to utilize the energy stored in its high-energy bonds for various cellular processes.