Chapter 12, Problem 12.1EP

Classify anabolism and catabolism as synthetic or degradative processes.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To classify anabolism and catabolism as a synthetic or degradative process.

Concept introduction: The sum of various chemical reactions occurring in the human body is called metabolism and the reactions individually are known as metabolic reactions. Metabolic reactions are of two types: catabolism and anabolism.

In catabolism, the metabolic reactions occur so that large biomolecules break down into smaller molecules with the release of energy. On the other hand in anabolism, the metabolic reactions occur so that the smaller molecules combine to form larger molecules with consumption of energy.

Synthetic process is the process in which the two or more molecules combine to form the final product of the process. In the degradative process, the large molecules break down into two or more smaller molecules.

Answer to Problem 12.1EP

Anabolism is classified as a synthetic process and catabolism as a degradative process.

Explanation of Solution

Anabolism is considered as a synthetic process because in both the processes the two or more smaller molecules combine and forms a larger molecule. On the other hand, catabolism is classified as a degradative process because both the processes involve the breakdown of the larger molecule into smaller molecules.

Conclusion

The process in which two or more molecules are joining is considered as a synthetic process, therefore, anabolism is a synthetic process and the process in which larger molecule break down into smaller ones is known as a degradative process, therefore, catabolism is a degradative process.