ATPases (,
adenylpyrophosphatase,
ATP monophosphatase,
triphosphatase,
SV40 T-antigen,
adenosine 5'-triphosphatase,
ATP hydrolase,
complex V (mitochondrial electron transport),
(Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase,
HCO3--ATPase,
adenosine triphosphatase) are a class of
enzymes that
catalyze the
decomposition of
ATP into
ADP and a free
phosphate ion. This
dephosphorylation reaction releases
energy, which the enzyme (in most cases) harnesses to drive other
chemical reactions that would not otherwise occur. This process is widely used in all known forms of
life.