Carbohydrate metabolism

• Anabolism is the build up of complex molecules - monomers bind to make polymers (synthesis of glycogen from glucose)

  • use and requires ATP
  • includes : Glycogenesis, Lipogenesis and Gluconeogenesis

  Catabolism is the break down of complex molecules - polymers break down into monomers (carbohydrates, proteins, fats)

  • produces ATP
  • includes : Proteolysis, Lipolysis and Glycogenolysis
• Example of metabolism

  Glycogen metabolism

  • glycogen is a storage molecule of glucose in the body
  • it's a big complex of joined together glucose molecules
  • glycogen breakdown and synthesis can occur
• All metabolic pathways result in the formation of the same intermediate : Acetyl CoA

  • reactions do not occur on their own, not just one reaction at once
  • each reaction provides a substrate for the next reaction - set reactions are linked together
  • simple reactions build up in complexity to a full pathway
  • the final product of a pathways forms a substrate for another pathway - making the process continuous
• Control of metabolism is vital - sometimes slow, quick, sometimes change needs to be immediate in response to environment or food

  • efficient and economical use of fuels
  • respond to different situations on a minute-minute basis
  • meet energy requirements independently of fuel intake - stored molecules or freshly ingested molecules
  • controls whether synthesis or degradation is needed