Difference Between Anabolism And Catabolism

What Is Catabolism?

Catabolism is a metabolic process used for breakdown of complex or large molecules (such as polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins) to simple small molecules (such as monosaccharide, fatty acids, nucleotides and amino acids, respectively). During the catabolism process energy is released from the bonds of the large molecules being broken down. Typically, that energy is then stored in the bonds of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP).  The catabolism increases the concentration of ATP in the cell as it breaks down nutrients and food. Therefore, Catabolism provides the chemical energy necessary for the maintenance and growth of cells.

 Examples of catabolic processes include Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, the breakdown of muscle protein in order to use amino acids as substrate for gluconeogenesis, the breakdown of fat in adipose tissue to fatty acids and oxidative deamination of neurotransmitters by monoamine oxidase.

Most catabolic pathways are convergent in that they end in the same molecule. This enables organisms to consume and store energy in a variety of different forms, while still being able to produce the molecules it needs in the anabolic pathways.

What You Need To Know About Catabolism

• Catabolism is a metabolic process used for breakdown of complex molecules to simple small molecules.
• Catabolism is the destructive phase of metabolism.
• In catabolism, large molecules are broken down to form smaller molecules.
• Hormones involved in the process are adrenaline, cytokine, glucagon and cortisol.
• In catabolism state, energy is converted from potential energy to kinetic energy.
• Catabolism helps in burning fats and calories.
• Catabolism is in function during activities.
• Catabolic exercises are usually aerobic exercises. In this process, the body burns calories and fat.
• In this chemical process, proteins become amino acids, glycogen becomes glucose, triglycerides become fatty acids.
• Catabolic reactions release a significant amount of energy.
• Catabolism requires oxygen as most of the reactions are oxidation reactions.
• Catabolic reactions are exergonic reactions.
• In growing cells, catabolic reactions are less prevalent than anabolic reactions.
• Catabolism is essential to perform different activities in living systems.
• Processes like cellular respiration, digestion and excretion are some examples of catabolic processes.

What Is Anabolism?

Anabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that build large molecules from smaller units. Anabolism is usually synonymous with biosynthesis. Anabolic pathways involve the input of energy, which is needed to form chemical bonds between smaller molecules to make macromolecules. Molecules built from anabolism are then used to build structures in the cell or even to help build new cells.

Anabolic processes build organs and tissues. These processes produce growth and differentiation of cells and increase in body size, a process that involves synthesis of complex molecules. Examples of anabolic processes include the growth and mineralization of bone and increases in muscle mass.

Anabolic hormones are chemical that cause cellular growth through activating anabolic pathways. Two examples of anabolic hormones are testosterone and insulin. Anabolism and catabolism are controlled by circadian rhythms and both are important for the development, growth and maintenance of organism’s cells.

What You Need To know About Anabolism

• Anabolism is a metabolic process used to build molecules required for energy to do different activities by the body.
• Anabolism is the constructive phase of metabolism.
• In anabolism, large complex molecules are synthesized from smaller molecules.
• Hormones involved in the process are estrogen, testosterone, growth hormones and insulin.
• In anabolism state, energy is converted from kinetic energy to potential energy.
• Anabolism helps in furnishing and preserving tissues in muscle growth.
• Anabolism is in function during rest or sleep.
• Anabolic exercises are usually anaerobic exercises in nature and generally result in a build-up of muscle mass.
• In this chemical process, amino acids become proteins, glucose becomes glycogen, fatty acids become triglycerides.  
• Anabolic reactions require a significant amount of energy.
• Little or no oxygen is required for anabolism.
• Anabolism reactions are endergonic reactions reactions.
• In growing cells, anabolism dominates over catabolism.
• Anabolism is essentially for the growth and maintenance of living systems.
• Processes like photosynthesis, protein biosynthesis and assimilation are some of the examples of anabolic processes.

Difference Between Anabolism And Catabolism In Tabular Form