Final answer:
The hydrolysis of ATP involves breaking the bond between the beta and gamma phosphate groups, releasing over 7 kcal/mol of energy, which is utilized for various cellular processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
ATP hydrolysis releases the endmost phosphate group from ATP, yielding ADP, a phosphate group, and a burst of energy, specifically over 7 kilocalories per mole (kcal/mol). This energy release occurs because the bonds that link the phosphate groups in ATP are high-energy bonds, especially the ones between the beta and gamma phosphates (the second and third phosphates).
When these bonds are broken, the resulting products, ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi), have much lower free energy than the reactants. This reduction in free energy is due to the relief of electron-electron repulsion between the negatively charged phosphate groups and is what provides the energy to power various cellular processes. The hydrolysis of ATP, which includes water as a reactant, can be summarized as: ATP + H2O → ADP + Pi + free energy. Hydrolysis is a critical chemical reaction in the body that drives many biological functions.