Chapter 2, Problem 18RQ

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

Glucose + oxygen $\to$ carbon dioxide + water + ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

1. The reversibility of the oxidative breakdown of glucose.

2. Whether the chemical equation is in chemical equilibrium.

3. The definition of chemical equilibrium.

Introduction:

Oxidative breakdown of glucose involves the breakdown of the energy-rich compound in the presence of oxygen to form carbon dioxide, water, and energy. This is the respiration process of the eukaryotic organism. The ATP synthesized during the reaction is used by the cells as a source of energy. This ATP is used by the cells for making the various subunits of the macromolecules. This is a type of biosynthetic reaction.