Final answer:
Yes, the reaction between glucose and sorbitol to form maltitol would likely require a continual input of energy. Dehydration synthesis reactions such as the formation of disaccharides from monosaccharides are endergonic and need energy to occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether the reaction between glucose and sorbitol to form maltitol would likely require a continual input of energy to occur. By understanding the principle of biochemical reactions, it's evident that formation of disaccharides from monosaccharides, such as the conversion of glucose to maltitol, involves dehydration synthesis. This process generally requires an input of energy because it involves the formation of a new bond, which is an endergonic reaction.
In the body, similar types of reactions, like the conversion of glucose to glycogen, are coupled with the hydrolysis of ATP, which provides the necessary energy. This is similar to how enzymes like maltase catalyze the hydrolysis of disaccharides such as maltose into glucose units in an energy-efficient manner. The synthesis reactions, however, are not favorable without an energy input; an example is the formation of maltose from two glucose molecules, which is analogous to the formation of maltitol from glucose and sorbitol.
Therefore, based on biochemistry principles, it's true that the formation of maltitol from glucose and sorbitol would likely require a continuous input of energy, in the form of ATP or another energy source, to drive the endergonic reaction forward.