20-1 An Overview of Metabolism and Biochemical Energy Metabolism A collective name for the many reactions that go on in the cells of living organisms Catabolism The group of metabolic pathways that break down larger molecules into smaller ones Pathways are often exergonic and release energy Anabolism The group of metabolic pathways that build up larger molecules from smaller ones Pathways are often endergonic and absorb energyMetabolism ▪ A collective name for the many reactions that go on in the cells of living organisms ▪ Catabolism ▪ The group of metabolic pathways that break down larger molecules into smaller ones ▪ Pathways are often exergonic and release energy ▪ Anabolism ▪ The group of metabolic pathways that build up larger molecules from smaller ones ▪ Pathways are often endergonic and absorb energy 20-1 An Overview of Metabolism and Biochemical Energy