Question

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that entropy, or disorder, is constantly increasing in the universe for spontaneous processes. Therefore, how is it possible that organisms exist in very ordered states? (A) The Second Law of Thermodynamics does not apply to biological life. (B) Energy can be created or destroyed. (C) The catabolic reactions are always equal and opposite of the anabolic reactions. (D) Biological life actually creates an increase in entropy through dissemination of heat and waste.

Short answer

(D) Biological life actually creates an increase in entropy through the dissemination of heat and waste.

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing Option A

Option A states that the Second Law of Thermodynamics does not apply to biological life. This option seems unlikely, as the laws of thermodynamics are well-established and have been proven to apply to all physical systems, including biological ones.

Analyzing Option B

Option B claims that energy can be created or destroyed. This statement contradicts the First Law of Thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only converted from one form to another. Therefore, option B is not correct.

Analyzing Option C

Option C suggests that the catabolic (breaking down) reactions are always equal and opposite of the anabolic (building up) reactions. Although catabolic and anabolic reactions do play a role in maintaining the ordered state of an organism, this statement does not address the issue of entropy.

Analyzing Option D

Option D states that biological life actually creates an increase in entropy through the dissemination of heat and waste. This explanation shows that while an organism may maintain a local decrease in entropy, it simultaneously creates an overall increase in entropy in the universe by producing waste and heat, in accordance with the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Based on the analysis of each option: The correct answer is (D) Biological life actually creates an increase in entropy through the dissemination of heat and waste.

Key concepts

Entropy in Biological Systems

Entropy, a key concept from the Second Law of Thermodynamics, measures the amount of disorder within a system. In the broad universe, entropy is always increasing over time. But you might wonder how living organisms, which are highly ordered, can exist within such a principle. Organisms seem to defy this law by maintaining order internally. However, they don't violate the law at all.

Here's how it works: while organisms do maintain an ordered structure, they contribute to the increase of entropy in the universe. They do this by releasing waste products and heat during their metabolic processes. This release creates a higher degree of disorder outside the organisms. In essence, organisms shift the disorder to their surroundings while keeping themselves organized. As a result, even while life forms become more complex, the universe as a whole becomes less ordered, reinforcing the second law. - Order internally, disorder externally. - Release of heat and waste increases universal entropy. - Organisms comply with thermodynamic laws.

Catabolic and Anabolic Reactions

In the world of biology, two primary types of reactions occur within cells: catabolic and anabolic reactions. Both are crucial for life but have opposite functions. Catabolic reactions involve breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones. This process releases energy and increases entropy. A common example is the breakdown of glucose in cellular respiration to form carbon dioxide and water. It provides essential energy for cells to perform their functions. On the other hand, anabolic reactions build complex molecules from simpler ones. They require an input of energy and result in a decrease in local entropy. For instance, photosynthesis is an anabolic process where plants use energy from sunlight to create glucose from carbon dioxide and water. - Catabolic reactions release energy and increase entropy. - Anabolic reactions require energy and decrease local entropy. - Both processes are connected and necessary for cellular activities.

Heat and Waste in Organisms

As organisms metabolize, they release heat and waste products into their surroundings, which aligns with the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This release is essential for maintaining life, as it helps regulate internal body temperature and removes unusable by-products. When energy is transformed during metabolic processes, not all of it is used efficiently. A part of it is lost as heat. For instance, when muscles contract, some energy is used for movement, while some is lost as heat, warming the body. Similarly, waste products are the materials that organisms cannot use. These include substances like carbon dioxide and urea, which are expelled from the body, adding to the disorder outside the organism. - Heat release helps with temperature regulation. - Waste products remove unusable materials. - Both processes increase entropy in the environment.