Final answer:
The standard free energy change (ΔG°') for the isomerization of fructose-6-phosphate to glucose-6-phosphate at 37°C is calculated to be -2.14 kJ/mol, indicating the reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the standard free energy change (ΔG°') for the isomerization of fructose-6-phosphate (F6P) to glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) at a physiological temperature of 37°C (310.15 K), we use the equation that relates ΔG°' to the equilibrium constant (Keq):
ΔG°' = -RTln(Keq)
Here, R is the universal gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K), T is the temperature in Kelvin, and Keq is the equilibrium constant for the reaction.
First, we convert the temperature to Kelvin:
T = 37°C + 273.15 = 310.15 K
Next, we can plug the values into the equation:
ΔG°' = -8.314 J/mol·K × 310.15 K × ln(1.97)
After performing the calculations, we find:
ΔG°' = -2.14 kJ/mol
ΔG°' is negative, indicating that the reaction is spontaneous under standard thermodynamic conditions. Moreover, since glycolysis is a biochemical pathway, the free energy change provides insight into the metabolic processes and the role of ATP in driving them.