endergonic

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Word: Endergonic

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "endergonic" is used in the field of biochemistry to describe a process that requires energy to occur. In these processes, the products (the result of the process) have more energy than the starting materials (called reactants). Essentially, it means energy is absorbed during the process.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "endergonic" to describe specific biochemical reactions, especially when discussing how energy is involved in those reactions.
• It is often contrasted with "exergonic," which refers to processes that release energy.

Example:

• Photosynthesis is an endergonic process because plants absorb sunlight (energy) to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced discussions, you might encounter "endergonic" in the context of thermodynamics, where it relates to Gibbs free energy. A process is considered endergonic if the change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) is positive, indicating that energy is required for the reaction to proceed.

Word Variants:

• Endergonicity (noun): The quality or state of being endergonic. Example: "The endergonicity of the reaction indicates that it requires energy input."
• Endergonically (adverb): In a manner that is endergonic. Example: "The reaction proceeds endergonically under standard conditions."

Different Meaning:

• In everyday language, "endergonic" is not commonly used outside of scientific contexts, so it doesn't have different meanings outside of biochemistry.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "endergonic" in general English usage, but in a broader scientific context, you might refer to it as an "energy-absorbing" process.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "endergonic," as it is a technical term primarily used in scientific discussions.

Summary:

Remember, "endergonic" is a specific term used in biochemistry to describe processes that absorb energy, making the products more energetic than the starting materials.

Academic

Adjective

1. (biochemistry) of a process accompanied by or requiring the absorption of energy; the products of the process are of greater free energy than the reactants
   • photosynthesis is an endergonic process