What is an exergonic reaction characterized by?

An exergonic reaction is characterized by the release of energy. This type of reaction occurs when the total energy of the products is less than the total energy of the reactants, resulting in a negative change in free energy. As a result of this energy difference, exergonic reactions often occur spontaneously, meaning they can happen without the input of additional energy once initiated.

In biological systems, exergonic reactions are critical, as they often drive cellular processes by providing the necessary energy for endergonic reactions, which require energy input to proceed. Examples of exergonic reactions include cellular respiration and the breakdown of glucose, where energy is released in the form of ATP.

The other choices do not accurately describe exergonic reactions. Absorption of energy refers more to endergonic reactions, where energy is taken in rather than released. A constant energy output does not characterize exergonic reactions, as their energy release can vary significantly, depending on various factors such as the reactants involved. Furthermore, the focus of exergonic reactions is not solely on the formation of end products but rather on the overall process of energy transformation.