Question

The reaction catalyzed by malate dehydrogenase has a ΔGo/ of +29kJmol-1.

Can this reaction proceed spontaneously? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Yes. The reaction can proceed spontaneously.

ΔGo' indicates the change of free energy at standard conditions, whereas ΔG indicates the change of free energy at particular conditions characterized by variable concentrations of the reactants, temperature, etc. The reaction can proceed spontaneously if ΔG < 0. Although ΔGo' is positive, ΔG may be negative at certain conditions. As a result, the reaction can occur spontaneously at the conditions of ΔG < 0.