10.1.1 Metabolic Reactions
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- Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism includes all chemical reactions that break down complex organic molecules (includes hydrolysis).
- Anabolism refers to chemical reactions that combine simple molecules to form complex molecules (includes synthesis).
- The chemical reactions of living systems depend on transfer of manageable amounts of energy from one molecule to another. This transfer is usually performed by ATP–the energy ‘currency’ used in our body.
- To review what you have learned earlier in this course, re-read Chapter 3 > Unit 10 (Digestive System) and Chapter 4 > Units 5 to 8.
