Energy Catalysis and Biosynthesis

Question 1

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Answer 1

Spontaneous processes are characterized by the conversion of order into disorder. Disorder in the universe can ONLY increase

Question 2

What are the implications of Delta G and an spontaneous process.

Answer 2

In an spontaneous process, delta G is always negative. This is called an exergonic process

Question 3

What happens when a cell reaches equilibrium

Answer 3

It also reaches death

Question 4

How are cells capable of creating internal order?

Answer 4

The processes employed to accomplish order produce heat, which is released into the environment

Question 5

Oxidation

Answer 5

Loss of electrons

Question 6

Reduction

Answer 6

Gain of electrons

Question 7

Does each step in a metabolic pathway need to be exergonic?

Answer 7

No, as long as the overall process is exergonic then it will operate in a forward manner

Question 8

What reduces the activation energy of a reaction?

Answer 8

Enzymes

Question 9

What do enzymes do?

Answer 9

They reduce the activation energy of reactions. They therefore increase the reaction rate of thermodynamically favored reactions. They observe the second law of thermodynamics

Question 10

What do enzymes do with side reactions?

Answer 10

They reduce the frequency of side reactions by selectively reducing the activation energy of the desired reaction, thus creating conditions that favor a specific outcome