Which of These Systems is Least Likely to Be at Chemical

Question

Which of these systems is least likely to be at chemical equilibrium?
A)a test tube of living cells
B)a test tube of organic molecules, kept in the freezer
C)a test tube of dry organic molecules, kept at room temperature
D)a test tube of organic molecules dissolved in water, kept at room temperature
E)a test tube of dead cells in water, kept at room temperature

Accepted Answer

A test tube of living cells is least likely to be at chemical equilibrium because living cells are constantly undergoing metabolic processes which involve breaking down and building up of molecules. This means that the concentrations of molecules within the cells and surrounding them are not static and are constantly changing in order to maintain the cells' functions. Therefore, it is unlikely that the system is at equilibrium.