Chemical equilibrium is relatively rare in living cells. Which of the following could be an example of a reaction at chemical equilibrium in a cell?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a chemical reaction where both the reactants and products are not actively participating in a metabolic pathway at that moment, the reaction may reach equilibrium. This is because in a cell, reactions usually do not reach equilibrium due to the constant production or consumption of reactants and/or products. Choice A is incorrect because a reaction at equilibrium would have the same energy content as any point away from equilibrium, not higher. Choice B is incorrect because entropy changes occur spontaneously and cannot be balanced by opposite changes in the surroundings. Choice C is incorrect because endergonic reactions require energy input, not just heat from the environment. Choice E is incorrect because although chemical equilibrium is relatively rare in living cells, it can still occur under certain conditions.

Chemical Equilibrium Is Relatively Rare in Living Cells