Final answer:
The hydrolysis of bound ATP to ADP decreases the strength of binding between actin monomers, causing destabilization of the actin filament and affecting polymerization rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hydrolysis of bound ATP to ADP in an actin filament decreases the strength of binding between monomers in the filament. This process is a part of the dynamic polymerization and depolymerization of actin filaments, which is crucial for cellular movements like muscle contraction and cell motility.
When the ATP bound to an actin monomer is hydrolyzed to ADP, the energy released induces a conformational change that destabilizes the polymer, thereby reducing the binding strength between the actin monomers. This leads to a difference in polymerization rates at the plus and minus ends of the actin filament, a phenomenon termed treadmilling, which is essential for many cellular processes.