ATP hydrolysis is exothermic.
In other words, ATP hydrolysis releases energy. When ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is hydrolyzed, it breaks down into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (Pi), releasing energy in the process. This energy is then used to power various cellular processes.
Here's a breakdown of why it's exothermic:
- Energy Release: The chemical bonds in ATP, particularly the phosphate bonds, store a significant amount of potential energy. When one of these bonds is broken during hydrolysis, this energy is released into the surroundings.
- Cellular Work: This released energy is then used to drive endergonic reactions (reactions that require energy input) within the cell, such as muscle contraction, active transport across membranes, and the synthesis of new molecules.
- Exergonic Nature: Exothermic reactions, also known as exergonic reactions in a biochemical context, have a negative change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG < 0), indicating that the reaction is spontaneous and releases energy. ATP hydrolysis fits this description perfectly.
Therefore, the breaking of bonds releases energy, making ATP hydrolysis an exothermic reaction essential for life.
