Endergonic Reaction - Equilibrium Constant

Equilibrium Constant

The equilibrium constant for the reaction is related to ΔG° by the relation:

where T is the absolute temperature and R is the gas constant. A positive value of ΔG° therefore implies

so that starting from molar stoichiometric quantities such a reaction would move backwards toward equilibrium, not forwards.

Nevertheless, endergonic reactions are quite common in nature, especially in biochemistry and physiology. Examples of endergonic reactions in cells include protein synthesis, and the Na+/K+ pump which drives nerve conduction and muscle contraction.

Read more about this topic:  Endergonic Reaction

Famous quotes containing the words equilibrium and/or constant:

    They who feel cannot keep their minds in the equilibrium of a pair of scales: fear and hope have no equiponderant weights.
    Horace Walpole (1717–1797)

    Courage, of all national qualities, is the most precarious; because it is exerted only at intervals, and by a few in every nation; whereas industry, knowledge, civility, may be of constant and universal use, and for several ages, may become habitual to the whole people.
    David Hume (1711–1776)