Chapter 12, Problem 1RC

Summary Introduction

To determine: The difference between catabolism, metabolism, and anabolism.

Introduction: The metabolic pathways are often branched. This implies that the same substrate is utilized for two or more separate products. It is important that the branched pathway is regulated carefully to produce all the products in the quantities that are needed by the cell. Many enzymes perform the task of both catabolic and anabolic reactions and thus participate in amphibolic pathways (including both catabolism and anabolism) to save the need for additional materials and energy.

Explanation of Solution

The following are the differences between catabolism, metabolism, and anabolism:

Characteristics	Metabolism	Catabolism	Anabolism
Definition	Metabolism is the process that describe the chemical reaction to maintain the living state of the cell.	Catabolism is the process of breaking down large molecules into smaller molecules.	Anabolism is the process of the formation of larger compounds and molecules from smaller units.
Energy output	It yields energy and also requires energy.	It yields energy.	It requires energy.
Example	The process of digestion and assimilation is metabolism.	The process of breaking down of glycogen into glucose is catabolism	The process of formation of glycogen from glucose is anabolism.