Explain What Is Meant by the Statement: "Standard Free-Energy Changes

question 101

Essay

Explain what is meant by the statement: "Standard free-energy changes are additive." Give an example of the usefulness of this additive property in understanding how cells carry out thermodynamically unfavorable chemical reactions.

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Definitions:

Fertilization

The union of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) to form a zygote, initiating the development of a new organism.

Blastodisc

A flattened area of a fertilized egg where cells proliferate during early embryonic development in birds and reptiles.

Holoblastic Cleavage

Holoblastic cleavage refers to a type of embryonic development where the entire egg is evenly divided during cell division, characteristic of many animals including mammals.

Neonate

A newborn baby, especially within the first few weeks after birth.