Activation energy

[thank.darwin]

I know what activation energy is and what it does but my question is - can activation energy be anything? (I know it can't be anything but what are the different kinds of activation energy?)

[mith]

That's chemisty isn't it? I think it has to be a form of molecular kinetic energy.

[thank.darwin]

Part of it is physics... But I'm in the middle of a unit about it in a biology class

[RobJim]

I don't really understand your question. Can you clarify?

[biostudent84]

In any chemical reaction, activation energy is needed.

[thank.darwin]

In any chemical reaction, activation energy is needed.

I know that - but what can that activation energy be?

[Poison]

generally ATP is used.
But here is the list of compounds that can be used to get the activation energy of a biochemical reaction:
Phosphoenol pyruvate (Highest energy)
carbomoil phosphate
1,3 diphosphoglycerate
Creatin Phosphate
ATP
Glucose-1 Phosphate
Fructose-6 phosphate
Glucose-6 phosphate
Glycerole-3 phosphate(lowest energy)

[mith]

Can you explain how these molecules work? I think they donate charged ions but not sure.

[RobJim]

I know that - but what can that activation energy be?

Are you asking:

1) What form can the energy be in immediately before it's used to overcome the activation energy?

2) What are the possible values in Joules for the activation energy?

[Poison]

Can you explain how these molecules work? I think they donate charged ions but not sure.

They have high energy bonds. especially phosphate bonds. when these bonds break down, energy comes out. and can be used for activation or other purposes.

[thank.darwin]

Thank-you for your help

[Poison]

No problem.