Metabolism: anabolism and catabolism
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Question
What is metabolism?
Answer
**All** of the **enzyme-catalysed** chemical reactions that take place inside a living organism.
Question
What is anabolism?
Answer
The reactions that **build larger molecules** from smaller ones. Anabolism **uses (requires) energy**.
Question
What is catabolism?
Answer
The reactions that **break larger molecules** into smaller ones. Catabolism **releases energy**.
Question
What happens to energy in an anabolic reaction?
Answer
Energy is **used (required)** to build the larger molecule.
Question
What happens to energy in a catabolic reaction?
Answer
Energy is **released** as the larger molecule is broken down.
Question
Which reaction type is usually anabolic?
Answer
**Condensation** — it joins subunits to build larger molecules.
Question
Which reaction type is usually catabolic?
Answer
**Hydrolysis** — it adds water to break larger molecules into subunits.
Question
Give two examples of anabolic processes.
Answer
Making **glycogen** (or starch) from glucose; **protein synthesis**; **photosynthesis**.
Question
Give two examples of catabolic processes.
Answer
**Aerobic respiration**; **digestion**; the **hydrolysis** of macromolecules.
Question
How do you decide if a process is anabolic or catabolic?
Answer
Ask whether the molecule gets **bigger** (anabolic) or **smaller** (catabolic).
Question
Is forming glycogen from glucose anabolic or catabolic?
Answer
**Anabolic** — small glucose subunits are joined into a larger molecule.
Question
Is the hydrolysis of macromolecules anabolic or catabolic?
Answer
**Catabolic** — a large molecule is broken down into smaller subunits.
Question
Are metabolic reactions catalysed?
Answer
**Yes** — almost all are **enzyme-catalysed**.
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Topic 3.1 hub
Enzymes and metabolism
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