Human Anatomy Flowboard -Healey

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A decomposition reaction takes place when a molecule is broken down into smaller molecules or its constituent atoms.
Example: AB -> A + B
Decomposition reactions are reverse synthesis reactions because bonds are broken. They lie under all degradative, or catabolic process that occur in body cells.

Oxidation-reduction reactions, or redox reactions for short, are decomposition reactions that are the basis of all reactions in which food fuels are catabolized for energy. They are also exchange reactions because electrons are exchanged between the reactants. The reactant losing the electrons is oxidized, or the electron donor. The reactant receiving the the transferred electrons is reduced, or the electron acceptor. These reactions occur when ionic compounds are formed.

A synthesis, or combination reaction, is a process that occurs when molecules combine to form a larger, more complex molecule.
Example: A + B -> AB
These reactions are the base of constructive or anabolic activities in body cells, such as joining amino acids into large protein molecules. They are also seen in rapidly growing tissues.

Exchange, or displacement, reactions involve both synthesis and decomposition reactions. Bonds are made and broken. In these types of reactions parts of the molecule release and bond with other parts of the molecules.
Examples: (1) AB + C -> AC + B
(2) AB + CD -> AD +CB
These reactions take place when ATP reacts with glucose and transfers it's end phosphate group to glucose, forming glucose-phosphate. ATP turns into ADP.

Synthesis, Decomposition, and Exchange

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