Final answer:
The breakdown of ATP results in ADP, inorganic phosphate, and released energy, all of which are indeed end-products of ATP hydrolysis. This process is critical for supplying energy to various cellular functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) results in several end-products, including ADP (adenosine diphosphate), inorganic phosphate, and energy that can be harnessed for various cellular activities such as muscle contraction. ATP breakdown is a fundamental process in cellular metabolism, providing the necessary energy for many types of work within the cell.
When ATP undergoes hydrolysis, it loses one of its three phosphate groups, resulting in the formation of ADP and a free inorganic phosphate. This reaction releases energy because ATP, being a high-energy molecule, stores potential energy in the bonds between its phosphate groups. This energy is then used by the cell to perform various functions, such as mechanical work (e.g., muscle contraction), chemical work (e.g., synthesis of macromolecules), and transport work (e.g., moving substances across cell membranes).