Question

The delta G of ATP hydrolysis in the cell is approximately -12 kcal/mol whereas the delta Gº' is -7.3 kcal/mol. What can you infer about the ATP and ADP concentrations inside the cell?

Answer 1

The difference between the delta G of ATP hydrolysis in the cell and the delta Gº' indicates that the concentrations of ATP and ADP inside the cell are not at equilibrium. The hydrolysis of ATP releases energy that can be used for cellular work, and the difference in energy between ATP and ADP allows ATP to serve as an energy carrier.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between the delta G of ATP hydrolysis in the cell (-12 kcal/mol) and the delta Gº' (-7.3 kcal/mol) implies that the concentrations of ATP and ADP inside the cell are not at equilibrium. The larger negative value of delta G in the cell indicates that the hydrolysis of ATP is favored, resulting in higher concentrations of ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) compared to ATP.

This imbalance is important for cellular processes because the hydrolysis of ATP releases energy that can be used for cellular work. The difference in energy between ATP and ADP allows ATP to serve as an energy carrier, providing energy to drive endergonic reactions in the cell.

Answer 2

The higher concentration of ADP and lower concentration of ATP inside the cell drive the reaction towards ATP hydrolysis, resulting in the release of free energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a living cell, the delta G of ATP hydrolysis is approximately -14 kcal/mol, whereas the delta Gº' is -7.3 kcal/mol. This difference suggests that the concentrations of ATP and ADP inside the cell are not at equilibrium. The higher concentration of ADP and lower concentration of ATP drive the reaction towards ATP hydrolysis, resulting in the release of free energy.