Theromodynamics: energy from biological oxydation of alanine

In summary, the \delta Hcombustion for alanine is -1577 kJ mol-1 and the \delta Hcombustion for urea is -631.6 kJ mol-1. The product of biological combustion of alanine is urea ((H2N)2CO) and not N2. To balance the equation for the biological combustion of alanine, we need 2 moles of alanine and 6 moles of oxygen, resulting in the production of 5 moles of carbon dioxide, 5 moles of water, and 1 mole of urea. Using these coefficients, we can calculate the amount of energy available from the biological oxidation of 1.000 g of alanine
  • #1
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The [tex]\delta[/tex] Hcombustion for alanine is -1577kJ mol-1 and the [tex]\delta[/tex] Hcombustion for urea is -631.6kJmol-1. The product of biological combustion of alanine is urea ((H2N)2CO) and not N2.

Balance the following: (provided balanced)

2 C3H7NO2 + [tex]\frac{15}{2}[/tex]O2[tex]\rightarrow[/tex] 6CO2 + 7H2O + N2

1 (H2N)2CO + [tex]\frac{3}{2}[/tex]O2 [tex]\rightarrow[/tex] CO2 + 2H2O +N2

2C3H7NO2 + 6O2 [tex]\rightarrow[/tex] 5CO2 + 5H2O + (H2N)2CO

What is the amount of energy available from the biological oxidation of 1.000 g of alanine
C3H7NO2?

n C3H7NO2 per 1.000 g = 0.011 mol

[tex]\delta[/tex]Hrxn 3= [tex]\delta[/tex]Hrxn 1 - [tex]\delta[/tex]Hrxn 2 = -945.4 kJ mol-1 ...this is for 2 moles

Amount of energy available is 0.011* (-945.4 / 2) ? Can you please let me know if this should be the answer?
 
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  • #2


Your calculations are correct! The amount of energy available from the biological oxidation of 1.000 g of alanine is -5.20 kJ. This means that for every 1.000 g of alanine, -5.20 kJ of energy is released. This energy is in the form of heat, and it is a measure of the potential energy stored in the bonds of the alanine molecule.
 
  • #3


Yes, that is the correct way to calculate the amount of energy available from the biological oxidation of 1.000 g of alanine. The final answer would be -5.20 kJ, since the units for \deltaHrxn is kJ mol-1 and we are calculating for 0.011 mol. This means that for every 1.000 g of alanine, there is -5.20 kJ of energy released from the biological oxidation process.
 

What is thermodynamics and why is it important in the study of energy from biological oxidation of alanine?

Thermodynamics is the branch of science that deals with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. It is important in the study of energy from biological oxidation of alanine because it helps us understand how energy is transferred and transformed within a system, such as our bodies.

How is alanine converted into energy through biological oxidation?

Alanine, an amino acid found in our bodies, is converted into energy through a process called biological oxidation. This involves breaking down alanine into smaller molecules, which then enter the Krebs cycle and are ultimately converted into ATP, the primary source of energy for our cells.

What factors affect the efficiency of energy production from biological oxidation of alanine?

The efficiency of energy production from biological oxidation of alanine can be affected by several factors, including the availability of enzymes and coenzymes, the concentration of oxygen in the body, and the overall health and metabolic state of an individual.

Can the energy produced from biological oxidation of alanine be used by all cells in our body?

Yes, the energy produced from biological oxidation of alanine can be used by all cells in our body. ATP is a universal energy currency, meaning it can be used by any cell in our body to carry out essential functions, such as muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and cellular respiration.

How does the energy produced from biological oxidation of alanine compare to other sources of energy in our body?

The energy produced from biological oxidation of alanine is comparable to the energy produced from other sources, such as glucose and fatty acids. However, alanine may be a more efficient source of energy in certain situations, such as during exercise or periods of fasting, as it can be quickly converted into ATP without requiring additional steps in metabolism.

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