Final answer:
The energy for the relief of mechanical strain by DNA gyrase is provided by the hydrolysis of ATP. The enzyme uses the energy released from ATP hydrolysis to perform its function, which is essential for managing DNA supercoiling during processes such as replication and transcription.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy that drives the relief of mechanical strain by DNA gyrase is supplied by the hydrolysis of ATP. DNA gyrase is a type of enzyme known as a topoisomerase, which releases the tension created from the unwinding of DNA strands by breaking and reforming the DNA's phosphate backbone. This activity requires energy, which is provided by ATP through an exergonic reaction, where the breakdown of ATP into ADP and a phosphate group releases energy to aid the enzyme's function.
The hydrolysis of ATP is a process by which cells derive free energy to perform various cellular activities, including the movement of proteins like DNA gyrase. A single ATP molecule, when hydrolyzed, can release a free energy of about -57 kJ/mol, which can then be harnessed by the cell to do work. It is critical to understand that the process of ATP hydrolysis is often coupled with endergonic reactions within the cell to provide the necessary energy for metabolism and other cellular processes.