Chemical equilibrium is relatively rare in living cells because metabolic pathways are interconnected. Which of the following statements describes an example of a reaction that may be at chemical equilibrium in a cell?
A) an exergonic reaction in which the free energy at equilibrium is higher than the energy content of the reaction at any point away from equilibrium
B) an exergonic reaction in which the entropy change in the cell is precisely balanced by an opposite entropy change in the cell's surroundings
C) a chemical reaction in which neither the reactants nor the products are being produced or consumed in any metabolic pathway at that time in the cell
D) an endergonic reaction in an active metabolic pathway where the energy for that reaction is supplied only by heat from the environment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a cell, metabolic pathways are interconnected, meaning that reactants are continuously being produced and consumed, and products are being further processed or used in other reactions. This state of constant flux makes it unlikely that a reaction will reach a true state of equilibrium. However, there may be instances where a particular reaction is not actively part of any metabolic pathway at a specific time in the cell, and therefore may reach equilibrium. In such a scenario, neither the reactants nor the products are being produced or consumed, and the reaction may come to equilibrium.

Chemical Equilibrium Is Relatively Rare in Living Cells Because Metabolic