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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between anabolic and catabolic enzymes?

Posted February 3, 2023


Answer

Enzymes are catalysts of biochemical reactions occurring in living cells. These reactions are of two types: anabolic and catabolic. 

Anabolic enzymes

Anabolic enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions that synthesize larger complex molecules from smaller units. This includes reactions such as photosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, and amino acid biosynthesis. 

Reactions that are catalyzed by anabolic enzymes require energy and consume ATP. 

Examples of anabolic enzymes include DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, ATP synthase, phosphoglucomutase, and asparagine synthetase. 

Catabolic enzymes

Catabolic enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions that break down larger complex molecules into smaller units. This includes reactions such as digestion, respiration, glycolysis, and beta-oxidation. 

Reactions that are catalyzed by catabolic enzymes release energy and generate ATP. 

Examples of catabolic enzymes include lipase, sucrose, cellulose, lactase, and protease.

Additional resources

Metabolic channeling: predictions, deductions, and evidence

Enzymes

Amplite® Fluorimetric Acetylcholinesterase Assay Kit *Red Fluorescence*

Ac-DEVD-AFC *CAS 201608-14-2*