In cellular respiration, is the oxidization of glucose to CO2 a spontaneous or non-spontaneous react

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

m25

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
May 28, 2014
Messages
304
Reaction score
20
In cellular respiration, is the oxidization of glucose to CO2 a spontaneous or non-spontaneous reaction?

Members don't see this ad.
 
Just from a quick Wikipedia search it looks like it's spontaneous, with a delta G of -2880 kJ/mol.
 
Overall, it's spontaneous. But each step can be either spontaneous or non-spontaneous. For non-spontaneous ones, they are usually coupled with spontaneous ones. (e.g. ATP hydrolysis)
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
As @Zoey_imbmida said, some specific reactions within respiration can be spontaneous or non-spontanteous (think about the energy required to start glycolysis versus the products after the last step of glycolysis), but overall the process is spontaneous. If it weren't and we ended with a net loss of energy then it clearly wouldn't be a very good energy-enriching system to have.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Top