74 6.1 Metabolism Basics

Metabolism consists of all the chemical processes that occur in living cells. These processes/reactions can generally be classified as either anabolic or catabolic. Anabolic means to build, catabolic means to breakdown. If you have trouble remembering the difference between the two, remember that anabolic steroids are what are used to build enormous muscle mass.

An anabolic reaction/pathway requires energy to build something. A catabolic reaction/pathway generates energy by breaking down something. This is shown in the example below of glucose and glycogen. The same is true for other macronutrients.

Anabolic and catabolic can also be used to describe conditions in the body. For instance, after a meal there is often a positive energy balance, or there is more energy and macronutrients than the body needs at that time. Thus, some energy needs to be stored and the macronutrients will be used for synthesis, such as amino acids being used for protein synthesis. However, after a fast, or a prolonged period without energy intake, the body is in negative energy balance and is considered catabolic. In this condition, macronutrients will be mobilized from their stores to be used to generate energy. For example, if prolonged enough, protein can be broken down, then the released amino acids can be broken down to be used as an energy source.

A number of the metabolic reactions oxidize or reduce compounds. A compound that is being oxidized loses at least one electron, while a compound that is reduced gains at least 1 electron. To remember the difference, a mnemonic device such as OIL (oxidation is lost), RIG (reduction is gained) is helpful. Oxidation-reduction reactions are illustrated in the figure below.

Another way to remember oxidation versus reduction is LEO goes GER (like a lion)

Lose Elections = Oxidize

Gain Elections = Reduce

Iron is a good example we can use to illustrate oxidation-reduction reactions. Iron commonly exists in two oxidation states (Fe3+ or Fe2+). It is constantly oxidized/reduced back and forth between the two states. The oxidation/reduction of iron is shown below.

Fe3+ + e- → Fe2+ Reduced

Fe2+ → Fe3+ + e- Oxidized

However, some oxidation reduction reactions are not as easy to recognize. There are some simple rules to help you recognize less obvious oxidation/reduction reactions that are based upon the gain or loss of oxygen or hydrogen. These are as follows:

Oxidation: gains oxygen or loses hydrogen

Reduction: loses oxygen or gains hydrogen

References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gulf_Offshore_Platform.jpg