Question

Do you think a cell ever reaches a state of equilibrium? Explain your answer

Answer 1

Answer:

A cell in our body is not in equilibrium. The constant flow of materials in and out of the cell keeps the metabolic pathways from ever reaching equilibrium, and the cell continues to do work throughout its life. The product of each reaction becomes the reactant for the next, so no reaction reaches equilibrium.Eventually, the concentration of the molecules on each side of the cell membrane will be the same and particles will be going back and forth through the membrane at the same rate. At that point, equilibrium is reached.Due to demands placed on the cell, equilibrium cannot ever be attained in a living system. *Life only works because there is an "imbalance" between the chemical reactions.When equilibrium is reached, the rate of the forward reaction is equal to the rate of the reverse reaction.