Catabolic reactions occur when large organic molecules are broken down into smaller, simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.
Anabolism, the other type of metabolic reaction, entails the creation of complex organic compounds from smaller components and necessitates the use of energy.
Examples of catabolic reactions:
Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose to make energy.
Two pyruvate molecules are produced, together with ATP, NADH, and water.
The catabolic process by which fatty acid molecules are broken down in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes is known as beta-oxidation in biochemistry and metabolism.
Digestion is the complicated process of breaking down food into nutrients that the body utilizes for energy, development, and cell repair.
The digestive process generates waste, which must be disposed of.
Large organic molecules including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are broken down into smaller molecules in these processes.
Glycolysis, food digestion, and beta-oxidation are some of the most well-known catabolic reactions.