endergonic process

[/ˌɛndərˈɡɑːnɪk ˈprɑːsɛs/]
nounpl: endergonic processes
processo endergônico
1. A biochemical or chemical reaction that requires the input of energy to proceed; a non-spontaneous process that absorbs energy from its surroundings
Photosynthesis is an endergonic process that requires solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.
A fotossíntese é um processo endergônico que requer energia solar para converter dióxido de carbono e água em glicose.
2. A reaction with a positive change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG > 0) under standard conditions
The synthesis of ATP from ADP is an endergonic process in cells.
A síntese de ATP a partir de ADP é um processo endergônico nas células.
The term 'endergonic process' is primarily used in academic and scientific contexts in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazilian education, it is a key concept taught in biochemistry and general chemistry courses, often paired with exergonic processes to explain cellular energy metabolism. The term carries the same technical meaning across English and Portuguese-speaking scientific communities and is essential for understanding bioenergetics, cellular respiration, and metabolic pathways.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
non-spontaneous processenergy-requiring processanabolic processuphill reaction
Antonyms / Antônimos
exergonic processspontaneous processenergy-releasing processcatabolic process

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
processo endergônico
Standard term used in chemistry and biochemistry textbooks and scientific publications
Portugal
processo endergónico
Portuguese variant spelling with 'c' instead of 'g' in the suffix; used in European Portuguese scientific contexts
Academic/Scientific
processo que requer energia
Descriptive alternative used when explaining the concept in non-technical contexts

Related Words

endothermic reactionGibbs free energyATP synthesisanabolismcoupled reactionexergonic process

Related Idioms & Phrases

uphill battle (metaphorical usage relating to energy requirements)
going against the grain (metaphorical usage relating to non-spontaneity)
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