CPY 301: Metabolism of Carbohydrates

INTRODUCTION

Metabolism is simply defined as the total sum of enzyme catalyzed chemical reactions that take place in living cells. All living cells irrespective of their origin (be it plants, animals and micro-organisms) participate in metabolism, which is responsible for the coordination of all activities carried out by these organisms. 

Metabolism is in two phases: anabolism (synthetic) and catabolism (degradative) phases.

Anabolism undergoes the following:Reductive reactions.Starts from known/simple precursors and give rise to variety of products.Endergenic reaction (energy requiring reaction in the form of ATP).

Catabolism is directly the opposite of anabolism and therefore undergoes the following:Oxidative reactions.Starts with variety of complex or big precursors and end with well defined simple end-products.Exergonic reaction.