Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) is catalysed by the enzyme ATP hydrolase
An enzyme called ATP hydrolase breaks ATP apart using water. It splits ATP into ADP and a free phosphate group, releasing energy the cell can use.
Formula
ATP + H₂O → ADP + Pᵢ (catalysed by ATP hydrolase)
Real World
Muscle contraction during a 100 m sprint relies on ATP hydrolase rapidly breaking ATP into ADP and Pᵢ; elite sprinters like Usain Bolt deplete their available ATP stores within roughly 2–3 seconds, forcing immediate resynthesis.
Exam Focus
Always name the enzyme (ATP hydrolase) and both products (ADP and inorganic phosphate) — omitting either loses marks on 'describe hydrolysis' questions.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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