[Campbell Biology P.197] The "MAKE CONNECTIONS" section asks which processes result in highe... | Practice Question

The "MAKE CONNECTIONS" section asks which processes result in higher free energy and which systems can do work. Considering the principles discussed, which statement is most accurate regarding a process that results in a system gaining higher free energy e.g., active transport creating a concentration gradient ?

  • option_A: Such a process is typically spontaneous and moves toward equilibrium.
  • option_B: The system undergoing such a process experiences a net release of free energy.
  • option_C: The newly formed higher free energy state is less stable and has a greater capacity to do work.
  • option_D: This process has a negative ΔG and is energetically favorable.

Explanation

The text states that unstable systems higher G have greater work capacity and tend to change to more stable states lower G . Conversely, processes that create a higher free energy state like forming a concentration gradient via a proton pump result in a less stable system with increased potential to do work as the gradient can then drive other processes .