Dephosphorylation is the essential process of removing phosphate groups from an organic compound (as ATP) 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 hydolysed 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.

Biochemistry | Posttranslational modification