Sunday, August 24, 2014

Catabolic and anabolic reactions

Catabolic and anabolic reactions are both metabolic processes. 

  • A catabolic reaction is one that breaks down large molecules to produce energy. Catabolism refers to chemical reactions that result in the breakdown of more complex organic molecules into simpler substances, and catabolic reactions usually release energy that is used to drive chemical reactions.
    • Example- digestion
  • An anabolic reaction is one that involves creating large molecules out of smaller molecules. Anabolism refers to chemical reactions in which simpler substances are combined to form more complex molecules.  Anabolic reactions usually require energy and build new molecules and/or store energy.
    • Example- when your body makes fat out of extra nutrients you eat
The energy of catabolic reactions is used to drive anabolic reactions.

The energy for chemical reactions is stored in ATP.

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