What does the term endergonic refer to in chemistry?

Endergonic refers to a type of chemical reaction that requires an input of energy to proceed. In such reactions, the products have a higher free energy than the reactants, indicating that energy must be absorbed from the surroundings to drive the reaction forward. This characteristic differentiates endergonic reactions from exergonic reactions, which release energy.

In biological terms, endergonic reactions are crucial for processes such as photosynthesis, where energy from sunlight is absorbed to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Understanding endergonic reactions is essential for grasping how cells and organisms harness and utilize energy for work and growth.