Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 17: Problem 4

What are the features that generally distinguish pathways of catabolism from pathways of anabolism?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Catabolism breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy, whereas anabolism builds complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy. Catabolic processes are exergonic (release energy), and anabolic processes are endergonic (require energy).

Step by step solution

01

Understand Catabolism

Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones while releasing energy. This process is generally spontaneous and exergonic, meaning it releases energy. The energy released can be used to drive other processes in the cell. The energy is often stored in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
02

Understand Anabolism

Anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, a process that requires energy. This process is generally non-spontaneous and endergonic, meaning it absorbs energy. The energy required for anabolic processes often comes from ATP, produced by the catabolic processes, to synthesise larger molecules that the cell requires.
03

Compare the two pathways

From understanding both processes, one can contrast them. Catabolic processes release energy by breaking down large molecules into smaller ones, while anabolic processes consume energy to build complex molecules from simpler ones. These pathways are linked where the energy released from catabolic pathways is used to drive anabolic pathways.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Which statement is most likely to be true concerning obligate anaerobes? a. These organisms can use oxygen if it is present in their environment. b. These organisms cannot use oxygen as their final electron acceptor. c. These organisms carry out fermentation for at least \(50 \%\) of their ATP production. d. Most of these organisms are vegetative fungi.

(Integrates with Chapters \(1 \text { and } 3 .)\) What are the metabolic roles of ATP, \(\mathrm{NAD}^{+},\) and NADPH?

For each of the following metabolic pathways, describe where in the cell it occurs and identify the starting material and end product(s): a. Citric acid cycle b. Glycolysis c. Oxidative phosphorylation d. Fatty acid synthesis

What are the advantages of compartmentalizing particular metabolic pathways within specific organelles?

Define the following terms: a. Genome b. Transcriptome c. Proteome A. Metabolome
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free