Which of the following best describes endergonic reactions?

Endergonic reactions are characterized by their requirement for energy input to proceed, making them non-spontaneous processes. In these reactions, the products have a higher free energy than the reactants, meaning that energy is absorbed from the surroundings to drive the reaction forward. This energy is usually in the form of heat or chemical energy.

For example, during photosynthesis, plants absorb light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen; this is a classic example of an endergonic reaction. In contrast, other types of reactions, such as exergonic reactions, release energy and could occur spontaneously without the need for additional energy input. The correct understanding of endergonic reactions is essential in fields like biochemistry, where energy transformations are key to numerous biological processes.