is the essential process of removing phosphate
groups from an organic compound
) by hydrolysis
. Its opposite is phosphorylation
. It is found in muscle
movement as well as many other reactions within the body, as well as reactions in plants
For example, ATP is hydrolysed to ADP with the release of energy, phosphate groups, and ADP in the active transport of sucrose molecules into a phloem vessel in a plant.
Also see Phosphatases.