Understanding:
• Anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler molecules including the formation of
macromolecules from monomers by condensation reactions
Anabolic reactions describe the set of metabolic reactions that build up complex molecules from simpler ones
The synthesis of organic molecules via anabolism typically occurs via condensation reactions
Condensation reactions occur when monomers are covalently joined and water is produced as a by-product
- Monosaccharides are joined via glycosidic linkages to form disaccharides and polysaccharides
- Amino acids are joined via peptide bonds to make polypeptide chains
- Glycerol and fatty acids are joined via an ester linkage to create triglycerides
- Nucleotides are joined by phosphodiester bonds to form polynucleotide chains
Understanding:
• Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules including the hydrolysis of
macromolecules into monomers
Catabolic reactions describe the set of metabolic reactions that break complex molecules down into simpler molecules
The breakdown of organic molecules via catabolism typically occurs via hydrolysis reactions
Hydrolysis reactions require the consumption of water molecules to break the bonds within the polymer
Comparison of Anabolic and Catabolic Pathways
