ENDERGONIC Meaning and
Definition
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Endergonic is an adjective used to describe a chemical reaction or process that requires energy to occur. It refers to a reaction or process in which the energy of the products is higher than the energy of the reactants, thus requiring an input of energy from an external source.
In an endergonic reaction, the reactants have a relatively lower energy level than the products. This means that energy must be supplied to the system in order for the reaction to proceed. The energy can come from various sources such as heat, light, or other chemical reactions. Endergonic reactions are commonly associated with processes that build complex molecules or store energy in chemical bonds.
The energy input required to drive an endergonic reaction is often obtained from adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a molecule responsible for carrying and supplying energy within cells. Through the breakdown of ATP, the energy released can be used to fuel endergonic reactions in metabolic pathways.
Endergonic processes are essential for life as they are involved in various cellular activities, including muscle contraction, active transport of molecules across cell membranes, and synthesis of biomolecules such as proteins and DNA.
In summary, an endergonic reaction or process is characterized by the need for an energy input from an external source to proceed. This input allows the system to overcome the energy barrier between reactants and products, thus driving the reaction or process forward.
Common Misspellings for ENDERGONIC
Etymology of ENDERGONIC
The word endergonic is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: endo- meaning within or inner, and ergon meaning work or energy. The word was formed by adding the suffix -ic, which is commonly used to indicate pertaining to or characterized by. Therefore, endergonic can be understood to mean pertaining to inner work or characterized by an internal energy input.
