Chapter 2.4: Chemical Reactions Transform Substances

Flashcards from Chapter 2.4 of Principles of Life, 3rd Edition.

Chemical reaction

An interaction between different groups of atoms, divided into reactants (inputs) and products (outputs)

• These conserve energy but result in differences in entropy, properties, and bond energy

Hydrolysis

An exergonic, reversible chemical reaction that releases energy through the use of water; this is naturally more favored

Condensation reaction

An endergonic chemical reaction resulting in the combination of two substances, it results in water as a byproduct and stores free energy in its products

• This requires an input of energy and is less favored

Free energy

A change in the total usable energy between reactions and products, often represented as delta G; this divides exergonic (releasing) and endergonic (absorbing) reactions

Reaction rate

In a chemical reaction, how much of a product is formed over time; this is limited by the required activation energy of the reaction, temperature, and concentration (as these affect collisions)

Equilibrium

The state that occurs when endergonic and exergonic reactions settle into the same reaction rates with no change in relative concentration