What is the difference between catabolic and anabolic

Enzymes are important for catalyzing all types of biological reactions—those that require energy as well as those that release energy. Improve this page Learn More. Skip to main content. Module 2: Chemistry of Life. Search for:. Anabolic and Catabolic Pathways Learning Outcomes Differentiate between catabolic and anabolic reactions. Remember: Anabolic pathways assemble large molecules from smaller ones.

Catabolic pathways break large molecules into small pieces. The process uses up energy to create the end product, such as tissues and organs. These complex molecules are required by the organism, as a means of growth, development and cell differentiation 3. Anabolic processes do not use oxygen. Catabolic processes on the other hand are destructive, where more complex compounds are broken down and energy is released in the form of ATP or heat — instead of consuming energy as in anabolism.

Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy from stores in the body. This results in the formation of the metabolic cycle, whereby catabolism breaks down the molecules that are created through anabolism. An organism then often uses many of these molecules, which are used again in a variety of processes. Catabolic processes do utilize oxygen. At a cellular level, anabolism uses monomers to form polymers, resulting in the formation of more complex molecules.

A common example is the synthesis of amino acids the monomer into larger and more complex proteins the polymer. One of the most common catabolic processes is digestion, where ingested nutrients are converted into more simple molecules, that an organism can then use for other processes.

Catabolic processes act to break down many different polysaccharides, such as glycogen, starches and cellulose. These are converted into monosaccharides, which include glucose, fructose and ribose, used by organisms as a form of energy. Proteins that are created by anabolism, are converted to amino acids through catabolism, for further anabolic processes. Any nucleic acids in DNA or RNA, become catabolized into smaller nucleotides, that are a component of the natural process of healing as well as used for energetic needs.

Many metabolic processes that occur within an organism are regulated by hormones. Hormones are chemical compounds , that are generally classified as either an anabolic or catabolic hormones, depending upon their overall effect. Essentially, the amount of energy released through anabolism, minus the amount used through catabolism equals its overall weight. Any excess energy not burned through catabolism is stored in the form of glycogen or fat in liver and muscle reserves While this is a simplified explanation of how the two processes interact, it makes it easier to understand how certain catabolic and anabolic exercises combine to determine body weight.

Anabolic processes usually result in an increase in muscle mass, such as isometrics or weight lifting However, any other exercise that is anaerobic, such as sprinting, interval training and other high intensity activities, are also anabolic During periods of such activities, the body expends immediate stores of energy, with removal of lactic acid that has been built up in muscles 2.

In response, muscle mass is increased in preparation for any further efforts. This means catabolic processes result in larger, stronger muscles, as well as strengthened bones and increased protein reserves by using amino acids, all combining to increase body weight Typically, any exercise that is aerobic is a catabolic process. These include swimming, jogging and cycling, and other exercises that induce a conversion from using either glucose or glycogen as an energy source, to burning fat to meet the increased energy requirement While both are key to a reduction in body fat mass, anabolism and catabolism are contrasting metabolic processes that result in either an increase or decrease in overall body weight.

A combination catabolic and anabolic exercises allow the body to reach and maintain ideal body weight. The key fundamental difference between the two processes, are the reaction types that are involved in each. Anabolism utilizes ATP as a form of energy, converting kinetic energy into potential energy stored in the body, which increases body mass. It produces endergonic processes, that are anaerobic, occurring during the process of photosynthesis in plants, as well as assimilation in animals.

Catabolism releases energy, either as ATP or heat, converting stored potential energy into kinetic energy. It burns complex molecules and decreases body mass and produces exergonic processes, that are aerobic and occur during cell respiration, digestion, and excretion. Differences between Catabolism and Anabolism. Anabolism and catabolism are key parts of your overall metabolism. Learn the difference between the two and how they affect your health.

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