Equine Physiology Workbook

When the terminal phosphate group is split off ATP leaving ADP and P some energy is released and used to drive anabolic reactions. In addition, energy from the breaking of complex molecules is used in catabolic reactions to combine ADP and a phosphate group to resynthesize ATP.

Example:

~ 40% of the energy released in catabolism is used for cellular functions; the rest is converted to heat (some helps maintain normal body temperature).

Energy Transfer

Various catabolic reactions transfer energy into the “high-energy” phosphate bonds of ATP. It is not huge but can be released quickly and easily.

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation : the removal of electrons from an atom or molecule resulting in a decrease in potential energy of the atom or molecule.

Example: conversion of lactic acid to pyruvic acid

2H (neutral) are removed as one hydrogen ion (H+) and one hydride ion (H-)

Reduction : the addition of electrons to an atom or molecule resulting in an increase in the potential energy of the atom or molecule.

Example: conversion of pyruvic acid into lactic acid

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