What is Anabolism?
Anabolism is the process of building up molecules from smaller units. This is the opposite of catabolism, which is the process of breaking down molecules into smaller units.
Anabolic processes require energy. They occur in order to synthesize complex molecules from simpler ones. These complex molecules can be used for many different purposes, like storage or cellular repair.
Catabolic reactions tend to be exergonic, meaning they release energy. It is a vital process that builds the proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids needed for cell growth and repair. Anabolism requires energy in the form of ATP, which is generated by catabolism.
This process requires energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The molecules produced include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Anabolism is essential for the growth and maintenance of cells and tissues.
What is Catabolism?
Catabolism is the process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones. It is the opposite of anabolism, which is the process of building up complex molecules from simpler ones.
Catabolism includes two main types of reactions: hydrolysis and oxidation. Hydrolysis involves breaking down a molecule by adding water. Oxidation involves losing electrons from a molecule.
The molecules that are broken down are called substrates, and they include things like glycogen, proteins, and triglycerides. In order for cells to get the energy they need, they have to break down these substrates through catabolism.
These molecules can be used as building blocks for other molecules that are required by cells to function. The body would not be able to function without catabolism.
Difference Between Anabolism and Catabolism
The main difference between Anabolism and Catabolism is:
Anabolism is the process of building up molecules. Catabolism is the process of breaking down molecules.
The two processes are necessary for the body to function properly. Anabolic processes occur when the body is at rest. Catabolic processes occur when the body is in need of energy.
Anabolism occurs when the body needs to build new tissue or repair existing tissue. Catabolism occurs when the body needs to get rid of waste products or use energy.
Comparison Between Anabolism and Catabolism
| Parameter of Comparison | Anabolism | Catabolism |
| Definition | Anabolism is the process through which molecules essential for the body’s functionality are created. | Catabolism is the breakdown of large, complex compounds into smaller, more absorbable molecules. |
| Required/ Released | Energy is required for anabolic processes. | Catabolism is the process by which energy is released. |
| Hormones involved | Estrogen, testosterone, growth hormones, and insulin are among the hormones involved in the process. | Adrenaline, cytokines, glucagon, and cortisol are hormones involved in the process. |
| Converted energy | Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy during catabolism. | Kinetic energy is turned into potential energy during anabolism. |
| Functions | It is essential for repair, growth, and storage. | It is necessary for living entities to perform various activities. |
| For example, | Polypeptides are formed from amino acids. Glycogen is formed from glucose. Triglycerides are formed from fatty acids. | Proteins break down into amino acids. Glycogen degrades into glucose. Triglycerides break down into fatty acids. |