chapter 3 - Biochem basics

Question 1

What is the equation used for Gibbs free energy?

Answer 1

ΔG = ΔH -TΔS

Question 2

what are the 4 laws of thermodynamics?

Answer 2

0th –> heat flows from high T to low T
1st –> Energy cannot be created or destroyed

ΔE = Q + W
where Q is heat flow and W is work done on the system

2nd law –> entropy (universe likes disorganization)

3rd law –> 0 kelvin defines a state of zero entropy

Question 3

how does the ΔG for oxidizing sugar in a furnace compare with the ΔG for oxidizing sugar in a human?

Answer 3

ΔG is path independent (state function) therefore it is the same value in both situations

Question 4

will an enzyme alter the concentration of reactants at equilibrium?

Answer 4

no, enzymes are biological catalysts and catalysts influence reaction kinetics (by lowering EA) not thermodynamics.

Question 5

true or false, anabolic processes are generally reductive and catabolic processes are generally oxidative.

Answer 5

true, think oxidative phosphorylation is the main way to get energy from glucose