Question

Question #e6b13

Answer 1

An exergonic reaction is one in which `ΔG` decreases, and an endergonic process is one in which `ΔG` increases.

Explanation:

`ΔG` is the energy that is available to do work.

You can read about exergonic and endergonic reactions here.

An example of an exergonic reaction that occurs in our body is cellular respiration.

The equation for the oxidation of glucose to carbon dioxide and water is:

`"C"_6"H"_12"O"_6 + "6O"_2 → "6CO"_2 + "6H"_2"O"; ΔG = "-3012 kJ"`

This reaction releases energy that the cell uses for its activities.

The above value of `ΔG` is for the conditions found within a cell.

The tabulated value of `ΔG^°` = -2870 kJ refers to standard conditions (1 atm, 25 °C).

An example of an endergonic reaction in the cell is the formation of a peptide bond.

`"NH"_2"CHRCOOH" + "NH"_2"CHRCOOH" → "NH"_2"CHRCO-NHCHRCOOH" + "H"_2"O"; ΔG ≈ "8 kJ to 12 kJ"`

Amino acids join to make dipeptides, and the process continues as large protein molecules are built up.