Understanding Free Energy and Reaction Spontaneity

Easy Biochemistry Bioenergetics

Enzyme catalysis plays a significant role in bioenergetics, as it facilitates the conversion of substrates into products while minimizing the energy barrier associated with these reactions. One critical aspect of bioenergetics is the concept of free energy (G), which determines the spontaneity of a reaction. When comparing two hypothetical enzymatic reactions that could potentially yield high energy products, it is crucial to understand the role of the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) associated with each reaction.

Consider two reactions:

1. Reaction A: ΔG = -30 kJ/mol

2. Reaction B: ΔG = +10 kJ/mol

Given the values of ΔG for these two reactions, which statement regarding their spontaneity and energy yield is correct?

Reaction A is spontaneous and releases energy, while Reaction B is non-spontaneous and requires energy.

Both reactions are spontaneous and release energy.

Reaction A is non-spontaneous and requires energy, while Reaction B is spontaneous.

Both reactions require energy input to proceed.

Hint

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