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In biochem we are currently going over metabolic pathways. There are anabolic pathways, these pathways require a net input of energy and are endergonic. They are the pathways that are responsible for building complex molecules from less complex molecules. There are also catabolic pathways, these pathways require a net input of energy and they are exergonic. They are the pathways that are responsible for break down of complex molecules into smaller less complex molecules. There are also oxidation and reduction reactions, these are involved in the transfer of electrons between molecules. Oxidation is a reaction when the molecule loses electrons. This would create a more positive charge for the over all molecule, this is because electrons carry a negative charge and without them the molecule loses it’s negative charge. A reduction reaction is when the molecule gains electrons. This would mean that the molecule becomes more negatively charged. Hence why it is called reduced because the charge is decreased. The term that is referring to the affinity a molecule has for electrons is called the reduction potential. This must be tested experimentally in every situation. The metabolism has many complex parts and is incredibly interesting.