Problem:

Thermodynamics in an important consideration in understanding energy metabolism in biological processes. Free energy, G, is the amount of energy available for work, and is related to the total energy (enthalpy), H, and disorder, S (entropy).

Several pathogenic bacteria secrete toxins that degrade DNA of their hosts into small fragments of DNA.

Required:

Question 1: Which contains the highest S value, the intact DNA or the small DNA fragments?

Question 2: Explain your answer to question 1

Question 3: Do you predict that the degradation of the host DNA by the pathogen has a positive or negative ?G?

Consider a reaction that involves a DNA polymer and thousands of nucleotides.

Question 4: Describe a reaction with these components that would be endergonic. Indicate which component would be the substrate, and which component would be the product.

Provide a brief explanation for your answer.