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Is the EA for ATP hydrolysis in cells likely relatively low or high compared to the EA for the combustion of gasoline in an internal combustion engine? 1\. Explain your reasoning in terms of the relative stabilities of ATP and gasoline compared to air in which no catalysts are present. 2\. Describe how the role of the enzyme ATPase in the hydrolysis of ATP in a cell differs from a spark in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. 3\. Describe a strategy for collecting data that can be used to measure the energies of activation \(\left(\mathrm{E}_{\mathrm{A}}\right)\) of each of these two processes with instruments that can measure concentrations of reactions produced in each system.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The EA for ATP hydrolysis is likely lower than that for gasoline combustion. ATPase reduces the activation energy in cells, unlike the spark in an engine that provides energy to overcome the activation barrier. Measure heat changes and product concentrations in controlled setups for each reaction.

Step by step solution

01

- Compare Activation Energy (EA)

ATP hydrolysis in cells generally occurs at a much lower temperature and less energy input than the combustion of gasoline. This suggests that the EA for ATP hydrolysis is likely lower than that for gasoline combustion. ATP is also more unstable in biological conditions, thus it requires less energy to break down compared to gasoline which is quite stable unless ignited.
02

- Analyze the Role of Enzyme vs. Spark

ATPase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP, significantly lowering the activation energy required for the reaction in cells. In contrast, a spark in a gasoline engine initiates combustion but does not reduce the activation energy; instead, it provides the necessary energy to overcome it directly.
03

- Strategy for Measuring EA

To measure the activation energies, consider using a calorimeter and gas chromatograph. For ATP hydrolysis, measure the heat released in the reaction and the concentration of ADP and phosphate produced over time in a controlled environment. For gasoline combustion, measure the temperature change and the concentration of CO2 and water produced in a combustion chamber. Compare the data to determine the energy required to initiate each reaction.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Activation Energy
Activation energy (EA) is the minimum amount of energy needed for a chemical reaction to occur. In the case of ATP hydrolysis and gasoline combustion, the EA values significantly differ.
ATP hydrolysis in cells typically happens at body temperature, meaning it needs less energy to get started. This is due to ATP's instability in biological conditions, which requires less energy to break down. On the other hand, gasoline is quite stable and needs a high-energy spark to ignite, indicating a higher EA.

The concept of activation energy is crucial. It determines how quickly or slowly a reaction proceeds. Lower EA means a reaction can happen more readily at lower temperatures and with less energy, while higher EA requires higher temperatures and more energy input.
Enzyme Catalysis
Enzymes play a vital role in biological reactions by lowering the activation energy required. ATPase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP in cells. It accomplishes this by stabilizing the transition state and reducing the EA significantly. This is why ATP hydrolysis can happen efficiently under mild biological conditions.

In contrast, a spark in a gasoline engine does not lower the EA. Instead, it provides the required energy to surpass the high EA of gasoline, igniting the combustion process. Here, the spark acts as an initiator rather than a catalyst.

Enzymes like ATPase are nature's tools to speed up reactions at body temperatures, making life processes efficient and sustainable.
Energy Measurement Techniques
To understand and measure activation energies (EA) for different reactions, we need precise energy measurement techniques. Calorimetry and gas chromatography are effective instruments for such measurements.

For ATP hydrolysis, a calorimeter can measure the heat released during the reaction. By monitoring the concentration of ADP and phosphate produced over time, the energy profile of the reaction can be mapped.

For gasoline combustion, a calorimeter can again be used to measure the temperature changes, while a gas chromatograph can track the concentrations of CO2 and water produced. This combination of data allows for accurate calculation of the EA.

Accurate energy measurement is pivotal in comparing different reactions and understanding their energy requirements. These techniques provide insights into how energy is consumed and released in diverse chemical processes.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the position of the transition state on a vertical energy scale, from low to high, relative to the position of the reactants and products, for both endergonic and exergonic reactions. a. The transition state of the reaction exists at a lower energy level than the reactants. Activation energy is always positive regardless of whether the reaction is exergonic or endergonic. b. The transition state of the reaction exists at a higher energy level than the reactants. Activation energy is always positive regardless of whether the reaction is exergonic or endergonic. c. The transition state of the reaction exists at a lower energy level than the reactants. Activation energy is always negative regardless of whether the reaction is exergonic or endergonic. d. The transition state of the reaction exists at an intermediate energy level than that of the reactants. Activation energy is always positive regardless of whether the reaction is exergonic or endergonic.

How does enzyme feedback inhibition benefit a cell? a. Feedback inhibition benefits the cell by blocking the production of the products by changing the configuration of enzymes. This will prevent the cells from becoming toxic. b. Feedback inhibition benefits the cell by blocking the production of the reactants by changing the configuration of enzymes. This will prevent the cells from becoming toxic. c. Feedback inhibition benefits the cell by blocking the production of the products by changing the configuration of reactants. This will prevent the cells from becoming toxic. d. Feedback inhibition benefits the cell by blocking the production of the products by reducing the reactants. This will prevent the cells from becoming toxic.

Which pair of descriptors of chemical reactions go together? a. anabolic and exergonic b. exergonic and dehydration synthesis c. endergonic and catabolic d. hydrolysis and exergonic

An allosteric inhibitor does which of the following? a. binds to an enzyme away from the active site and changes the conformation of the active site, increasing its affinity for substrate binding b. binds to an active site and blocks it from binding substrate c. binds to an enzyme away from the active site and changes the conformation of the active site, decreasing its affinity for the substrate d. binds directly to the active site and mimics the substrate

Consider a pendulum swinging. Which type(s) of energy is/are associated with the pendulum in the following instances: 1\. the moment at which it completes one cycle, just before it begins to fall back towards the other end 2\. the moment that it is in the middle between the two ends 3\. just before it reaches the end of one cycle (before step 1\()\) a. \(1 .\) potential and kinetic 2\. potential and kinetic 3\. kinetic b. \(1 .\) potential 2\. potential and kinetic 3\. potential and kinetic C. \(1 .\) potential 2\. kinetic 3\. potential and kinetic d. \(1 .\) potential and kinetic 2\. kinetic 3\. kinetic

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