Anabolism Reactions: Definition, Photosynthesis and Chemosynthesis Processes

Anabolism Reactions: Definition, Photosynthesis and Chemosynthesis Processes – The process by which the body obtains energy is called metabolism. Metabolism is still divided into 2, namely catabolism and anabolism. On this occasion Seputartahu.co.id will discuss what and how the anabolism reaction process occurs in the body. Let's look at the article below to know more about it.

Anabolism Reactions: Definition, Photosynthesis and Chemosynthesis Processes

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Anabolism or biosynthesis or assimilation is the process of compiling simple chemical compounds into complex chemical compounds or molecules. These complex compounds are usually called macromolecular compounds. The macromolecules formed can take various forms such as nucleic acids, fats, carbohydrates and proteins. This event requires energy from outside, then that energy is used to bind simple compounds into more complex compounds. Anabolism reactions require energy obtained from catabolism reactions.

Reactions in cells can be grouped into two categories:

First, anabolism reactions are formation reactions, namely the synthesis of large molecules from simple or small molecules. The anabolism process requires energy, and the process is called an endogenic reaction.

Second, catabolism reactions are breakdown reactions. Catabolism is the breakdown of large molecules into simpler ones accompanied by the release of energy which is called an exergonic reaction. The total sum of anabolism and catabolism reactions is called metabolism (formation and breakdown). An example of a catabolism process is respiration, while an example of an anabolism process is photosynthesis (Green et al, 1988).

Anabolism includes three basic stages. First, the production of precursors such as amino acids, monosaccharides and nucleotides. Second, is the activation of these compounds into reactive forms using energy from ATP. Third, the combination of these precursors into complex molecules, such as proteins, polysaccharides, fats and nucleic acids. Anabolism that uses light energy is known as photosynthesis, while anabolism that uses chemical energy is known as chemosynthesis.

The results of anabolism are useful in essential functions. These results include glycogen and protein as fuel in the body, nucleic acids for copying genetic information. Proteins, lipids and carbohydrates make up the body structure of living things, both intracellular and extracellular. If the synthesis of these materials is faster than their breakdown, the organism will grow.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a period of preparing organic carbon compounds (glucose) from inorganic carbon compounds (carbon dioxide) and water with the help of light energy. The photosynthesis reaction can be summarized as follows.

Photosynthesis is only carried out by photoautotrophic organisms, such as green plants, algae, and certain types of bacteria. These organisms can carry out photosynthesis because they have photosynthetic pigments which are devices for capturing sunlight. Photosynthetic pigments include chlorophyll, carotene, phycoerythrin and phycocyanin.

Sunlight acts as an energy source. The amount of energy contained in light depends on its wavelength. Sunlight that can be used for photosynthesis has a certain wavelength. For example, chlorophyll a can only maximally absorb light with a wavelength of around 600-700 nm, while chlorophyll b absorbs light with a wavelength of 400-500 nm.

Among photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll is the main pigment. Chlorophyll or the green substance in leaves is found in chloroplasts. So, the process of photosynthesis also occurs in chloroplasts. Chloroplasts can be found in the leaves, stems or flower petals of green plants. So, the process of photosynthesis can occur in green parts of plants, but mainly occurs in the leaves. In leaves, chloroplasts are often found in sponge tissue and in palisade tissue or pole tissue.

Where photosynthesis takes place

In chloroplasts there are granules called granum. One granum is connected to another by a lamella called the intergranular lamella. One granum is composed of units called thylakoids. Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are found in the thylakoid membrane. Grana are found in fluid called stroma.

Light-absorbing pigments composed of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are found in the thylakoid membrane and form groups called photosystems. The photosystem is a functional unit that captures light. One photosystem is composed of about 200 chlorophyll molecules. There are two photosystems, namely photosystem I (FS I) and photosystem II (FS II).

Stages of Photosynthesis

The photosynthesis reaction consists of two stages, namely the light reaction and the dark reaction:

Light Reaction

The light reaction occurs in the presence of sunlight and takes place in the grana. In the light reaction, solar energy is absorbed by chlorophyll to be converted into chemical energy. Chemical energy is stored in two types of high-energy molecules, namely ATP and NADPH. During the light reaction, photolysis occurs, namely the decomposition of water by light which produces hydrogen and oxygen ions. Photolysis is a supplier of electrons in light reactions.

Dark Reaction

Dark reactions can occur whether there is light or not. This reaction occurs in the stroma. In the dark reaction, the ATP and NADPH produced in the light reaction are used as an energy source to reduce carbon dioxide to glucose. The formation of glucose from carbon dioxide is through the Calvin Benson cycle

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

The photosynthesis process that occurs in plants is greatly influenced by many factors, both internal and external factors. Internal factors, for example genetics, while external factors include temperature, light, water, carbon dioxide and minerals.

Genetic Factors

Genetic or hereditary factors greatly determine photosynthetic activity. This is because different genetic conditions will cause differences in photosynthesis facilities in each plant. There are plants that contain a lot of chlorophyll so their photosynthetic activity will be very good. On the other hand, there are plants that contain little chlorophyll so their photosynthetic activity is also low.

Temperature

We know that for the photosynthesis process to take place, enzymes are needed. Enzymes can work optimally if the environmental temperature is optimal. If the temperature is above the optimum temperature, the rate of photosynthesis decreases because the enzyme activity becomes slower. Likewise, if it is below the optimum temperature, the rate of photosynthesis will decrease because enzyme activity is also reduced.

Light

For photosynthesis to take place, light is needed as an energy source. Important light factors are the duration of exposure, light intensity, and light wavelength. The longer the light, the more photosynthetic activity can be carried out. The higher the light intensity, the faster the photosynthesis rate of a plant.

Water

The reaction that occurs in photosynthesis is the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide. Without water, photosynthesis reactions will not take place. Because water in the light reaction through the photolysis process becomes a supplier of electrons which play a role in photophosphorylation and the formation of ATP NADPH. If there is a lack of water, plants will experience physiological disorders which can inhibit metabolic reactions that occur, including processes photosynthesis.

Carbon Dioxide

Like water, carbon dioxide is also a raw material for the synthesis of glucose in photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide in the air will be fixed by plants, then reduced to glucose. If there is little carbon dioxide in the air, the photosynthesis process will of course also take place slowly.

Mineral

Minerals, such as magnesium and iron, play a role in making up chlorophyll molecules. If there is a lack of these minerals, plants will lack chlorophyll. As a result, the plant will experience problems in carrying out photosynthesis.

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Chemosynthesis

Chemosynthesis is a biosynthesis reaction that uses energy from chemical reactions. Chemosynthesis is carried out by several types of bacteria, for example nitrite bacteria (Nitrosomonas and Nitrosococcus), nitrate bacteria (Nitrosobacter), sulfur bacteria (Thiobacillus, Beggiatoa, and Thiothrix), and iron bacteria (Cladothrix).

Nitrite bacteria convert ammonium to nitrate. This conversion consists of two stages and is carried out by different bacteria. The first stage is the oxidation of ammonium to nitrite carried out by Nitrosomonas or Nitrosococcus bacteria. The second stage is the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate which is carried out by Nitrobacter bacteria.

These chemical reactions produce energy that will be used for the synthesis of carbohydrates from inorganic carbon sources. Carbon sources that can be used can be carbon dioxide (C02), carbonate (CO^), or methane (CH4).

The chemosynthetic bacteria that can oxidize sulfur are Thiobacillus thio-oxidans. These bacteria can oxidize inorganic sulfur (sulphur) and produce the energy needed for their life activities. Meanwhile, Thiobacillus ferro-oxidans bacteria are able to oxidize iron.

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Difference Between Anabolism and Catabolism

• Anabolism is the process of synthesizing small chemical molecules into larger molecules, while catabolism is the process of breaking down large molecules into small molecules.
• Anabolism is a process that requires energy while catabolism is a process that releases energy.
• Anabolism is a reduction reaction while catabolism is an oxidation reaction.
  Often the end result of anabolism is a starting compound for the catabolism process. (Wiradikusumah, 1985).

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