Explain how cells follow both the first and second law of thermodynamics

Expert Solution

The first law of thermodynamics states that the total energy of a system remains constant and the same can be interconverted to material form only, i.e. energy cannot be created or destroyed but transformed from one form to another.

In context of the cellular system, this law is widely applicable. A cell is a closed but communicable system in itself. It communicates with its environment by material exchange. It generates energy by combustion of fuel or food so that it could perform work. Alternatively, this energy is also used to generate food in the same cells. Thus, the cells demosntrate that they follow first law of thermodynamics.

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of a closed system does not increase but it fluctuates in an open system.

The cells also follow this law of thermodynamics. As stated above, the cells are an open system since they communicate with their environment and hence the total entropy of the cells increases. However, since the cells are not completely isolated from the system, they also conserve the energy and prevent increase in entropy.

Thus, this states that the cells are themodynamic entities and follow the laws of thermodynamics.

gladiator answered 2 years ago

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