Title: BV2 / BV2 - 2 / Modul 5 / Bioenergetics

Q: What is bioenergetics?
A: It’s the mechanism by which energy is made available to power energetically unfavourable reactions.

Q: What is not defined by the Gibbs function?
A: Whether a reaction is favourable or not is defined by the Gibbs function, also known as Gibbs free energy (ΔG).

Q: What is Delta-G?
A: ΔG can be seen as the amount of energy available in a structure during chemical reactions under given conditions

Q: What does the difference in energy between poduct and substrate indicate?
A: The difference between Gibbs free energy of product and substrate provides information on whether a reaction can be expected to occur spontaneously or not, and whether the reaction leads to the release of energy (exergonic) or requires energy to be supplied from the environment (endergonic).

Q: WHat would happen if all chemical reactions in our bodies would reach equilibrium, according to the laws of thermodynamics?
A: The laws of thermodynamics tell us that in isolation all chemical reactions in our body would reach equilibrium, which would be lethal to our cells as not enough free energy is left to perform work.

Q: How do our cells prevent equilibrium?
A: Our cells prevent equilibrium by changing concentrations of substrates and products, by either:
- Separating them physically (e.g. by transport across membranes) or by
- Further metabolising products down pathways.

Q: What is the flow through pathways dependent on?
A: The flow through these pathways (also known as flux) is dependent on several factors and is often regulated to achieve the desired direction.