Lecture 17: Thermodynamics: Now What Happens When You Heat It Up?

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Topics

 
  1. Thermodynamics
    1. Effect of Temperature on Spontaneity
    2. Thermodynamics in Biological Systems
      1. Hydrogen-bonding
      2. ATP-coupled Reactions

Lecture Video

Chemistry is part of everyday life whether we realize it or not. In this lecture, we use thermodynamics to explain some basic observations made when cooking. Chemistry is also essential within living organisms, and we hear from researcher Lourdes Aleman about the importance of weak interactions known as hydrogen bonds.

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Lecture Notes

Notes for Lecture 17 (PDF)

Clicker Questions

Lecture 17 Clicker Questions (PDF)

Textbook Reading

TOPICS 5th EDITION 4th EDITION
Gibbs Free-Energy Changes in Biological Systems Section 8.16 Section 7.16

Related Behind the Scenes at MIT Videos

Treating Diseases By Using RNAi Technology

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which small pieces of silencing RNA (siRNA) bind to cellular RNA, thereby shutting down the production of the encoded protein. Lourdes Alemán discusses how understanding hydrogen bonding and bond strengths is essential to her research on RNAi, and how scientists hope to apply RNAi technology in designing treatments for a wide variety of diseases.

Lourdes Alemán’s Personal Story

Lourdes Alemán, a Cuban-American, shares her greatest source of inspiration throughout her journey to becoming a scientist, a story of her father’s remarkable perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Problems and Solutions

Problems for Lecture 17 (PDF)

Solutions for Lecture 17 (PDF)

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