Answer to Question #131860 in Chemistry for RiTesh

Question

With the help of an example explain the significance of coupling in biological reactions.

Answer 1

A coupling reaction represents a variety of reactions where two fragments are joined together with the help of a catalyst and an additional source of energy. In living systems, the coupling reactions are associated with the hydrolysis of ATP that facilitate the formation of the covalent bonds between two fragments resulting in the formation of complex compounds. During the reaction, ATP splits to ADP and free phosphate. It is suggested that the released energy is used in the reaction. More specifically, enzyme and ATP/ADP-intermediate products have different energy levels. As a result, enzyme and ATP/ADP exchange lower the activation energy facilitating the biochemical reaction. These reactions are important in all synthetic processes occurring in the cell - synthesis of proteins, lipids, nucleic acid, etc. All these reactions maintain anabolic processes in the cell.