CHAPTER I - GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF BIOCHEMICAL ENERGETICS

Abstract

This chapter discusses the general principles of biochemical energetics. The first law of thermodynamics states that the total amount of energy in a system does not change when the different forms of this energy—chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical— are converted from one to the other. It also states that there is a definite relation between work and heat. The second law of thermodynamics states that there are definite restrictions on the transformation of heat into work. The chapter also discusses chemical equilibrium and the stationary state. In a reversible reaction, it is the difference in the reaction velocities in opposing directions that regulates the position of equilibrium. In effect, all reactions are reversible, but if the velocity from left to right is large and the velocity from right to left very small, then the reaction may be considered as irreversible.