Final answer:
If the reaction between compounds X and Y to produce compound Z is unfavorable, ATP hydrolysis can be used to drive the reaction forward. This involves coupling the reaction with ATP hydrolysis, which releases energy to overcome the unfavorable ΔG°´ and make the overall reaction favorable.
Step-by-step explanation:
When compound X reacts with compound Y to produce compound Z, the reaction is unfavorable with a positive change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG°´ = +5 kcal/mol). However, if the reaction is coupled with ATP hydrolysis, the unfavorable reaction can be driven forward.
ATP hydrolysis releases energy, which can be used to drive the reaction from X + Y to Z. The overall process involves two steps:
- ATP hydrolysis: ATP + H₂O → ADP + Pi + energy
- Reaction between X and Y: X + Y → Z
The released energy from ATP hydrolysis provides the necessary energy to overcome the unfavorable ΔG°´ of the reaction between X and Y, making the overall reaction favorable. The reaction can be represented as:
X + Y + ATP + H₂O → Z + ADP + Pi + energy