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Cellular Respiration: From Glucose to ATP, Powering Life's Bea
Chapter 0, Problem 1(choose chapter or problem)
Cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen, which have high levels of free energy, and releases \({\rm{C}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}\) and water, which have low levels of free energy. Is respiration spontaneous or not? Is it exergonic or endergonic? What happens to the energy released from glucose?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen, which have high levels of free energy, and releases \({\rm{C}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{2}}}\) and water, which have low levels of free energy. Is respiration spontaneous or not? Is it exergonic or endergonic? What happens to the energy released from glucose?
ANSWER:Step 1 of 2
Reactions without any energy requirement from an outside source are called spontaneous reactions. Such reactions increase the entropy of the system. This means they are energetically favorable.
Cellular respiration is spontaneous because it occurs naturally without energy and increases entropy. The reactions that release free energy are called exergonic reactions. As energy is released during the exergonic reaction, these reactions occur spontaneously.
In cellular respiration, glucose, and water reactants have high free energy, whereas carbon dioxide and water have low free energy. So free energy is released during cellular respiration.
Thus, cellular respiration is a spontaneous and exergonic process.
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Cellular Respiration: From Glucose to ATP, Powering Life's Bea
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Explore the world of spontaneous reactions, focusing on cellular respiration. Learn how our cells convert glucose into energy-rich ATP, driving vital life functions.