A biologist studying a new bacterial strain identified in Göteborg is interested in the following two new biochemical reactions:
P + H₂O → Q + Pi (∆G = -38 kJ/mol)
X + Y → Z + H₂O (∆G = +55 kJ/mol)
What does ∆G mean in Thermodynamics? Which of the two reactions is spontaneous and what is the explanation for this? /
En biolog som studerar en ny bakteriestam som har identifierats i Göteborg är intresserad av följande biokemiska reaktioner:
P + H₂O → Q + Pi (∆G = -38 kJ/mol)
X + Y → Z + H₂O (∆G = +55 kJ/mol)
Vad avses med ∆G inom termodynamiken? Vilken av reaktionerna är spontan och vilken är anledningen till det?
This question needs to be answered in English. (2p) (Max 100 words)
Answer
G (Gibbs free energi) means the change of free energy in the system. Delta-G explains how the free energi in the system change after a specific reaction. Negative delta-G means the reaction is spontaneous, while positive delta-G indicates that the reaction is not spontaneous and is not thermodynamicly favorable. The spontaneous reaction is P + H₂O -> Q + Pi because it has negativ Delta-G.