The following equation, C6H12O6 + 6 O2 6 CO2 +H2O + Energy, is the central react

Question

The following equation, C6H12O6 + 6 O2 6 CO2 +H2O + Energy, is the central reaction of energy metabolism. First, describe in general terms what the materials on the left side of the equation represent. How would they be classified in terms of metabolic reactions? Would energy be needed or released in this reaction? How would you classify this type of energy reaction? Next, describe why the arrow in the middle of the equation is pointing in both directions. What circumstances would cause it to move either to the right or to the left? Finally, describe the right side of the equation and what these materials represent. How would they be classified in terms of metabolic reactions? Would energy be needed or released on this side of the equation? What type of energy reaction is this?

Explanation / Answer

The compounds C6H12O6 and O2 represents carbohydrate and oxygen respectively. These compounds react with each other to release CO2 (carbon dioxide), water and energy. This forms the general reaction of energy metabolism. No external energy is required for the conversion of reactants to the products. So, this is a type of exergonic spontaneous metabolic reaction. The arrow points in both the directions because the reactions can be reversed in which case energy is needed. The left side of the reaction has compounds which have high potential energy and the right side of the equation contain compounds which have lower potential energy.

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