Final answer:
Inorganic phosphate groups released during ATP hydrolysis are used for phosphorylation of other molecules, providing immediate energy or preparing molecules like glucose for storage or further metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the inorganic phosphate groups (Pi) are released during the hydrolysis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), it results in the production of ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and free energy. This reaction can be represented as ATP + H2O → ADP + Pi + free energy. The inorganic phosphate, now free, can be used in various ways within the cell. One major function of the released phosphate is in the phosphorylation of other organic compounds, such as glucose, to form glucose phosphate (C6H12O6-P). This process is important as it generates molecules that are either stored for future energy needs, such as glycogen, or metabolized to provide immediate energy.
Moreover, Pi can take part in activating other molecules that contribute to cellular work, such as muscle contraction, where energy from ATP is used to move contractile muscle proteins.