Chapter 8 - Energy, Enzymes, and Metabolism - 8.2 - ATP Plays a Key Role in Biochemical Energetics - 8.2 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 157: 2

Consider a reaction that releases energy. If this reaction is uncoupled, the energy will merely turn into heat and be lost. If it is coupled, then it can be used to fuel some other process. For example, if you couple the ATP -> ADP reaction to protein, the energy can be used to modify the shape of that protein in a way that benefits the cell.

Consider a reaction that releases energy. If this reaction is uncoupled, the energy will merely turn into heat and be lost. If it is coupled, then it can be used to fuel some other process. For example, if you couple the ATP -> ADP reaction to protein, the energy can be used to modify the shape of that protein in a way that benefits the cell.