Download Types of Biochemical Reactions

Types of Biochemical
Reactions
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
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Printed: November 18, 2015
AUTHORS
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
www.ck12.org
C HAPTER
Chapter 1. Types of Biochemical Reactions
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Types of Biochemical
Reactions
• Describe what happens in biochemical reactions.
• Distinguish between catabolic and anabolic reactions.
What do you get when you cross biology and chemistry?
Hummingbirds, with their tiny bodies and high levels of activity, have the highest metabolic rates of any animals
—roughly a dozen times that of a pigeon and a hundred times that of an elephant. The metabolic rate, or rate of
metabolism, has to do with the amount of energy the organism uses. And that energy is used to drive the chemical
reactions in cells —or the biochemical reactions. And, of course, it is all the biochemical reactions that allow the
cells function properly, and maintain life.
Biochemical Reactions
Biochemical reactions are chemical reactions that take place inside the cells of living things. The field of biochemistry demonstrates that knowledge of chemistry as well as biology is needed to understand fully the life processes
of organisms at the level of the cell. The sum of all the biochemical reactions in an organism is called metabolism.
It includes both exothermic and endothermic reactions.
Types of Biochemical Reactions
Exothermic reactions in organisms are called catabolic reactions. These reactions break down molecules into
smaller units and release energy. An example of a catabolic reaction is the breakdown of glucose, which releases
energy that cells need to carry out life processes. Endothermic reactions in organisms are called anabolic reactions.
These reactions build up bigger molecules from smaller ones. An example of an anabolic reaction is the joining of
amino acids to form a protein. Which type of reactions—catabolic or anabolic—do you think occur when your body
digests food?
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Summary
• Biochemical reactions are chemical reactions that take place inside the cells of organisms.
Explore More
Use this resource to answer the questions that follow.
• How to Contrast Biochemical Reactions Inside the Body and Chemical Reactions in the Chemistry
Laboratory at http://www.wikihow.com/Contrast-Biochemical-Reactions-Inside-the-Body-and-Chemical-R
eactions-in--the-Chemistry-Laboratory .
1. Define metabolic reactions.
2. What catalyzes most biochemical reactions inside the body?
3. What yield is typical in most enzyme catalyzed biochemical reactions?
Review
1.
2.
3.
4.
2
What are biochemical reactions?
What is metabolism?
Describe catabolic reactions?
What is an example of a biochemical reaction?