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Catabolic reactions give out energy. They are exergonic. In a catabolic reaction large molecules are broken down into smaller ones. For example, the reverse of the condensation reactions described above, i.e. hydrolysis reactions, are catabolic.
Terms. 1  anabolism the constructive metabolism of the body, as distinguished from catabolism. 2  catabolism destructive metabolism, usually including the release of energy and breakdown of materials. 3  enzyme a globular protein that catalyses a biological chemical reaction.