Question

Select which reactions will usually be irreversible regarding chemical equilibrium in living systems?

1) glucose to CO₂ and H₂O
2) ADP + Pi to make ATP
3) H₂O + CO₂ to make H₂CO₃
4) glucose molecules joined to make glycogen

Answer 1

In living systems, glucose to CO₂ and H₂O, H₂O + CO₂ to make H₂CO₃, and glucose molecules joined to make glycogen are usually irreversible reactions regarding chemical equilibrium. ADP + Pi to make ATP is a reversible reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

In living systems, the reactions that are usually considered irreversible regarding chemical equilibrium are:

1. glucose to CO₂ and H₂O: This is the process of cellular respiration, where glucose is oxidized to produce carbon dioxide and water.
2. H₂O + CO₂ to make H₂CO₃: This reaction involves the formation of carbonic acid from water and carbon dioxide.
3. glucose molecules joined to make glycogen: This process involves the synthesis of glycogen from glucose molecules.

The second reaction, ADP + Pi to make ATP, is a reversible reaction and is not considered irreversible regarding chemical equilibrium in living systems.