Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Energy coupling is the process in which the energy released from one reaction is used to drive another reaction. It involves the transfer of energy from an exergonic (energy-releasing) reaction to an endergonic (energy-absorbing) reaction.
Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. It acts as a barrier that reactants must overcome before they can form products.
ATP: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that stores and provides energy for cellular processes. It serves as the primary source of chemical energy in cells.
Enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energies. They play a crucial role in facilitating energy coupling within living organisms.