Â© 2017 AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. AccuWeather.com is a registered trademark of AccuWeather, Inc. Terms of usage under which this service is provided Privacy Statement | Ad Choices
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.
Catabolic reactions are the breakdown of organic molecules for energy. Breaking down sugars for energy, fat for energy, and so forth are all catabolic. To remember what catabolic means, think a CATastrophe where things are falling apart and breaking apart. You could also think of CATS that tear apart your furniture.