Describe the type of Thermodynamic System most applicable to the biochemical reactions in a cell under the
following headings
a) The type of Thermodynamic System and its characteristics (20 Marks)
b) Definitions of Enthalpy, Entropy and Gibbs Function and how they are related to each other.
(40 Marks)
c) Give overview details of two biochemical reactions in which endothermic and exothermic reactions
are coupled and discuss the significance of the overall Gibbs Energy change in a Reaction
Coordinate versus Free Energy Change diagram of the two reactions (40 marks)
QUESTION 2
Under specific conditions, the body produces carbohydrates from glycerol, amino acids and simple organic
precursor molecules such as lactate and pyruvate
a) Name, draw and describe details of the biochemical pathway. In your explanation, include details of
the energy input and regulation of the pathway. (90 Marks)
b) In relation to this pathway a biochemical mutant "super-mouse" was described in lectures. Explain
why the super-mouse could out-compete normal wild-type mice in endurance tests.
(10 marks)