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Question

Most of the biochemical reactions differ from those occurring in the non-living world in

A
being spontaneous
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B
releasing energy
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C
being enzymatic
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D
requiring energy
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Solution

The correct option is C being enzymatic
Most of the biochemical reactions differ from those occurring in the non-living world in being enzymatic. Only living reactions (metabolic reactions) can be said to employ enzymes as biocatalysts to speed up living reactions. Organic molecules may be broken down or synthesised by a series of enzyme controlled reactions. There is no uncatalysed metabolic conversion in living systems.

The non-living reactions can be spontaneous (that occurs in a given set of conditions on its own without any external intervention). For example, rusting of iron, melting of ice at room temperature, etc.
Spontaneous reactions take place in the living systems too. For example, ripening of fruits. Enzymes can allow reactions that cannot occur on their own or can couple them to spontaneous reactions occurring in the body. Generally, metabolic reactions that release energy are spontaneous.

The reactions in both living and non-living systems can be both exothermic and endothermic. Those that proceed with release of energy usually in the form of heat is the exothermic reaction. Endothermic reactions are those that require energy usually in the form of heat to proceed.

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