exergonic

American  

[ek-ser-gon-ik] / ˌɛk sərˈgɒn ɪk /

adjective

Biochemistry.

1. (of a biochemical reaction) liberating energy.

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exergonic British  

/ ˌɛksəˈɡɒnɪk /

adjective

1. (of a biochemical reaction) producing energy and therefore occurring spontaneously Compare endergonic

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exergonic Scientific  

/ ĕk′sər-gŏn′ĭk /

1. Relating to a chemical reaction that releases energy. The breakdown of sugars by cellular metabolism is an exergonic reaction that releases energy used to drive endergonic reactions.

2. Compare endergonic

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Etymology

Origin of exergonic

1935–40; ex- ³ + Greek érgon work + -ic

Compare meaning

How does exergonic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endergonic vs. exergonic

Example Sentences

Whether the reaction is exergonic or endergonic determines whether the products in the diagram will exist at a lower or higher energy state than both the reactants and the products.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

This step is irreversible because it is highly exergonic.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

ATP utilizes the energy released from the coupling reactions and that energy is used to power the endergonic and exergonic reactions.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

There is another important concept that must be considered regarding endergonic and exergonic reactions.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

Even exergonic, energy-releasing reactions require a small amount of activation energy to proceed.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013