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Title: What must be done at the molecular level to make these process be spontaneous? Post by: roxana90 on Sep 16, 2010 In order for a process to be spontaneous it must result
in the release of free energy. But there are many processes that occur within the cells of your body that absorb free energy. Obvious examples are the contraction of muscle cells when you lift a book or the absorption of nutrients by the cells lining your intestine. How is this possible? What must be done at the molecular level to make these processes occur (be spontaneous)? Title: Re: What must be done at the molecular level to make these process be spontaneous? Post by: sarah! on Sep 16, 2010 Bonds of various energy molecules, such as ATP must be broken in order to release energy.
For instance, ATP is made up of three high energy phosphate molecules. When the bonds between these energy molecules are broken (say by an enzyme: P--P--P--Adenosine --> ~*P*~ P--P--Adenosine ), free energy is released, and in turn, spontaneity results. |