Question 24

Entropy tends to increase in catabolic pathways of chemical reactions in living systems.

In catabolic pathways, complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, which results in an increase in disorder or randomness, known as entropy.

A) Entropy

This option is correct because catabolic reactions typically lead to an increase in entropy. As larger molecules are broken down into smaller, more simple units, the overall disorder of the system increases, aligning with the second law of thermodynamics.

B) Enthalpy

Enthalpy refers to the total heat content of a system. While enthalpy changes can occur during chemical reactions, the focus of the question is on the general trend in entropy, which is expected to increase in catabolic pathways. Therefore, this option is incorrect as it does not address the increase in disorder.

C) Glucose

While glucose may be a product of certain catabolic reactions, its presence does not universally signify an increase in chemical reaction pathways. In fact, glucose is often broken down during catabolism, making this option incorrect in the context of the question.

D) Glycogen

Glycogen is a storage form of glucose and is typically involved in anabolic processes rather than catabolic ones. Catabolic pathways break down molecules for energy, which does not align with an increase in glycogen levels. Thus, this option is also incorrect.

Conclusion

The correct answer, entropy, is definitively right as it captures the essence of catabolic reactions that increase disorder in a system. All other options fail to address the focus on the increase in disorder, with some being unrelated to the core concept of catabolic pathways.