Under what conditions could a biological reaction spontaneously proceed to reactants if the $\Delta$G$\degree$ $\gt$ 0?
A) Reactant concentrations are greater than product concentrations.
B) Product concentrations are greater than reactant concentrations.
C) Reactant concentrations are equal to product concentrations.
D) There are no conditions where this could happen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symbol "" indicates a reaction that is not spontaneous, and the symbol "" indicates standard conditions. The standard free energy change (G) for this reaction is positive (since it is proceeding in the non-spontaneous direction). Therefore, under standard conditions, the reaction will proceed from reactants to products. However, if product concentrations become greater than reactant concentrations (as is the case in answer choice B), then the reaction can become spontaneous in the reverse direction. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Under What Conditions Could a Biological Reaction Spontaneously Proceed to Reactants