Identify each of the following as a catabolic or an anabolic...

Identify each of the following as a catabolic or an anabolic reaction:
a. digestion of fats to fatty acids and glycerol
b. hydrolysis of proteins into amino acids
c. synthesis of nucleic acids from nucleotides
d. glucose and galactose form the disaccharide lactose

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Key Concepts

Catabolic Reactions

Catabolic reactions are metabolic processes that break down larger molecules into smaller ones with the release of energy. These reactions typically involve the cleavage of chemical bonds through processes like hydrolysis, which is a key mechanism where water is used to break down complex molecules into simpler units. Examples of catabolic reactions include digestion processes where fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, and proteins are hydrolyzed into amino acids.

Anabolic Reactions

Anabolic reactions are metabolic processes that build complex substances from simpler ones, usually requiring an input of energy. These reactions involve the formation of new chemical bonds and often include condensation reactions, where water is removed as molecules are combined. Typical examples of anabolic reactions are the synthesis of nucleic acids from nucleotides and the formation of disaccharides like lactose from two simple sugars such as glucose and galactose.

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