Endergonic Vs. Exergonic -Ami

Endergonic: Photosynthesis is an example of an endergonic reaction. An endergonic reaction requires a high amount of activation energy to begin the process. This process would absorb free energy to store within the plants and is nonspontaneous. Nonspontaneous means that they require energy to be input in order for the reaction to occur. The overall change in free energy is positive, and this is an anabolic reaction because it builds up energy.


Exergonic: Cellular Respiration is an example of an exergonic reaction. An exergonic reaction requires a smaller amount of activation energy to start the reaction because the reaction is spontaneous. This means that they can occur without energy input. The overall change in free energy is negative, and this is a catabolic reaction reaction because it gives off energy.

These reactions interact with each other because through energy coupling the use of an exergonic process such as cellular respiration can be used to drive photosynthesis. Both of these are significant reactions because they are necessary to our survival and for plants to survive.