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AAT Bioquest

What is the role of ATP in energy coupling?

Posted March 30, 2023


Answer

ATP’s energy is utilized to couple an exergonic reaction to power an endergonic reaction during energy coupling. ATP provides the energy for both energy-releasing exergonic reactions and for energy-consuming endergonic reactions in energy coupling. When chemical bonds within ATP are broken, energy becomes released and can be utilized for cellular work. Without a source of energy, the Gibbs free energy of the reactants in an endergonic reaction will not be enough. The energy can only be supplied through ATP hydrolysis so that the endergonic reaction can occur.

Additional resources

Energy coupling to ATP synthesis by the proton-translocating ATPase

Cellular Processes

PhosphoWorks™ Luminometric ATP Assay Kit *DTT-Free*

Cell Meter™ Live Cell ATP Assay Kit