ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we examine the factors that determine whether a particular biochemical reaction is feasible or not and, if it is feasible, what additional factors are needed to get the reaction started. A detailed treatment of these aspects belongs to the subjects of biochemistry and thermodynamics and is beyond the scope of this introductory text. However, there are some general principles that we will be attempting to highlight here. These general principles are not of mere academic interest; indeed, recall from the last chapter that condensation and hydrolysis reactions are really the reverse reactions of each other and consequently, in a given situation, it is important to be able to determine the direction in which the reaction will proceed.
