Metabolic Reactions

What is an anabolic reaction?

An anabolic reaction is a metabolic process where smaller molecules are built into larger ones, requiring energy.

What is dehydration synthesis?

Dehydration synthesis is a type of anabolic reaction where molecules are joined together by the removal of water.

Give an example of dehydration synthesis involving glucose.

When glucose molecules join together to form glycogen (a storage form of glucose), water is removed.

- Glucose + glucose + glucose + glucose → Glycogen.

Give an example of dehydration synthesis involving fatty acids.

Fatty acids and glycerol join together to form triglycerides (a type of fat), with water being removed.

- 3 fatty acids + glycerol → Triglycerides.

Give an example of dehydration synthesis involving amino acids.

Amino acids link together to form proteins (polypeptides), releasing water.

- Amino acids → Proteins.

What are reduction reactions (RIG)?

Reduction reactions involve the addition of hydrogen atoms and electrons, which increases the potential energy of a molecule.

What happens during a reduction reaction?

During a reduction reaction, molecules gain hydrogen atoms and electrons.

What is a catabolic reaction?

A catabolic reaction is a metabolic process where larger molecules are broken down into smaller ones, releasing energy.

What is hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis is a type of catabolic reaction where a molecule is broken down by the addition of water.

Give an example of hydrolysis involving glycogen.

Glycogen breaks down into glucose molecules by adding water.

• Glycogen → Glucose + Glucose + Glucose + Glucose.

Give an example of hydrolysis involving triglycerides.

Triglycerides break apart into fatty acids and glycerol by adding water.

- Triglycerides → 3 fatty acids + Glycerol.

Give an example of hydrolysis involving proteins.

Proteins break down into amino acids by adding water.

- Proteins → Amino acids.

What is oxidation (OIL)?

Oxidation is a metabolic process where molecules lose hydrogen atoms and electrons, releasing energy.

What happens during oxidation?

During oxidation, molecules lose hydrogen atoms and electrons, which releases energy.

What is dehydrogenation?

Dehydrogenation is the process of losing hydrogen atoms, which is a key part of oxidation.