• Metabolism?is a catch-all term used to describe?all the chemical reactions?that take place within cells and organisms
• Metabolism can be thought of as?the chemical reactions of life
  • The molecules involved are?metabolites
• Many reactions of metabolism take place in?multiple stages
  • Each stage is?catalysed?by a separate?enzyme
• A series of interlinked metabolic reactions is called a?metabolic pathway
• Metabolic reactions can be classified broadly as?anabolic?or?catabolic

• Anabolic reactions are involved with the building of large molecules from smaller ones
• Examples include;
  • Photosynthesis, where CO2?and water are built up into complex sugars
  • Protein synthesis, where amino acids are joined together in sequence
  • The buildup of fat stores ahead of animal hibernation
• Anabolic reactions often include?condensation?reactions
• Anabolic reactions are?endergonic?(they require an input of energy to take place)
  • Energy-storing products are the end result

• Catabolic reactions are involved with?breaking down large molecules?into smaller ones
• These reactions are often carried out to?release energy?for cellular processes and for the?excretion?of waste
• Examples include:
  • Respiration, where CO2?and water are produced from the breakdown of sugars
  • Deamination?of proteins to release urea
  • The?depletion of fat stores?during animal hibernation
• Catabolic reactions often include?hydrolysis?reactions
• Catabolic reactions are?exergonic?(free energy is released for cellular processes or as excess heat)

Comparison of Anabolism and Catabolism Table