The organism that triggers an endergonic reaction must consume the energy before the reaction can take place. Photosynthesis is a chemical reaction, just like any other, where green plants produce oxygen and glucose using sunlight and water. Do you know how is photosynthesis considered endergonic? If so, which part of photosynthesis is endergonic? In this post, we will learn more about why is photosynthesis considered endergonic.
1. How is Photosynthesis considered Endergonic according to you?
We already know that photosynthesis is the process of making food from sunlight. Thus, this photosynthesis is called an endothermic reaction as it absorbs sunlight. This is the energy that is absorbed for a chemical change to take place. The products of a chemical reaction have a high level of energy than the inputs or the reactants. Therefore, photosynthesis is endergonic. (See What are the Two Primary Sources of Energy that Power Living Systems?)
2. Is Photosynthesis considered Endergonic or Exergonic?
Photosynthesis is a chemical reaction that absorbs heat from the surroundings to produce any output products, called an endothermic reaction. This energy is the evidence for the response that happens. Therefore, it is considered endergonic. (See What are the End Products of Photosynthesis?)
3. Is Photosynthesis considered Endergonic and related to Chemistry?
Yes. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other living beings transform light energy into chemical energy. Thus, it is considered endergonic. (See What are Main Habitats of Plants?)
4. Which Part of Photosynthesis is Endergonic?
Endergonic reactions always store the energy outside, this is where photosynthesis comes into place. The endergonic reactions create new bonds which are anabolic reactions. They store this energy until that bond is broken. As we know photosynthesis stands here as a pyramid that provides food for humans and other organisms to survive. (See Plants Store Food in the Form of?)
5. Why is Photosynthesis Considered Endergonic?
Cell metabolic reactions like photosynthesis fall under this category. Photosynthesis is called an endergonic reaction because plants cannot launch the process of photosynthesis unless they absorb light energy. The plant’s cell absorbs the light energy and that energy is used for the photosynthesis reaction to occur. Plants always have chlorophyll and chloroplasts, but only these are not sufficient for the chemical reaction. This reaction cannot happen in the dark or without light. (See What are Few Examples of Producers Consumers and Decomposers?)
6. What Type of Reaction is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is a redox reaction. It means reduction-oxidation where the atomic levels are in different biochemical reactions. It has a balanced formula for a series of reactions called photosynthesis. The chemical equation is:
6CO2 (carbon dioxide) + 6H2O (water) + light → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 (air).
7. Can Photosynthesis be an Exergonic reaction?
No. The exergonic reaction releases the energy without consuming it. These reactions happen on their own without the other external factors being involved. The energy that is released is always negative. However, if you compare them to the endergonic reaction, it has positive energy when stored. This is the main reason why is photosynthesis considered endergonic. They store energy obtained from the sun. Some examples of exothermic reactions are burning, fuel reaction, dry ice discharge, respiration, sulfuric acid reactions, etc. (See What is Environmental Manipulation of Crops?)
8. Can Photosynthesis be a Light-Dependent Reaction?
Yes. Photosynthesis is called a light-dependent reaction. This is because the sunlight is absorbed by the chlorophyll and the process of photosynthesis begins. (Read How are Cactus Adapted to Survive in a Desert?)
9. How do you identify the Reaction as Exergonic or Endergonic?
If the reactants are greater at a free level of energy than the products then it can be identified as exergonic and if the reactants are less at a free level of energy compared to the products, it is called endergonic. (See What Would Happen if There was No Sunlight?)
10. How does the Process of Endergonic in Photosynthesis work?
The plants absorb water and carbon dioxide from the soil and air when the water loses electrons after being oxidized within the plant cells. The CO2 will acquire electrons and change the water into oxygen; it could also turn carbon dioxide into glucose. After this, the plant returns oxygen into the air and stores the energy inside glucose molecules. The organisms which are photosynthetic conduct endergonic reactions to reduce CO2 to glucose and the oxidation of water to oxygen using solar photons. This is how the process works. (See How many valence electrons does oxygen have?)
11. What is the Difference between Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions?
| Endothermic Reactions | Exothermic Reactions |
| It is a chemical reaction that absorbs heat energy from the surroundings to be a product. | It is a reaction where energy is released in the form of heat or light. |
| Heat is generated in the form of energy. | Energy is released as electricity, light, or sound. |
| Examples are molecules, ice melting, cooking, etc. | Examples are explosion and chemical bonds. |
| Energy is absorbed. | Energy is released. |
Hence, we can say that plants conduct photosynthesis for their food. It is an endergonic process because the energy is absorbed from the surroundings to create one or more energy. This was all about photosynthesis and endergonic reaction. (See Is a Mushroom a Producer?)
