The second law of thermodynamics states that orderliness proceedsspontaneously to disorderliness. The growth and development of cells (and organisms) seems to defy this law because growth and development are in fact increases of orderliness.

A. Does growth and development of an organism violate the second law of thermodynamics? Explain.

B. How could you prove experimentally that life does not defythe second law? What result would show that growth and development does defy the second law of thermodynamics?

C. In thermodynamic and biochemical terms, describe the resultsof your experiment on cells of the organism.

D. Describe the structural and functional effects of your experiment on cellular structures such lysosomes. Why are these effects predicted by the second law of thermodynamics?