Anabolism and catabolism

anabolism and catabolism are metabolic reactions of living beings that ensure energy production to maintain all vital functions.

Metabolic reactions range from species and also between individuals of the same species. In human beings, for example, characteristics such as sex, age, body weight, height and daily activities are fundamental for the variation of metabolic rates.

The balance between anabolism and catabolism reactions determine the correct functioning of all body systems.

What is anabolism?

O anabolism it can also be called constructive metabolism, as it builds complex molecules using simpler molecules.

This anabolic process synthesizes organic compounds with high molecular weight and involves energy expenditure.

Therefore, anabolism only occurs when the cell has energy stored in ATP molecules, and it is sufficient for the entire synthesis process to take place.

The human organism has many anabolic reactions, among them we can mention:

• summary of insulin
• Production of sex hormones
• Synthesis of growth hormones
• steroid production
• Protein synthesis

A photosynthesis It is one of the main metabolic processes of anabolism. Through it, plants are able to produce glucose using water, carbon dioxide and light energy.

What is catabolism?

O catabolism, also known as oxidative metabolism, the conversion of complex organic molecules into simpler molecules occurs.

During the degradation of the compound, energy is released, a part in the form of ATP molecules and another part in the form of heat.

If this process takes place in the presence of oxygen it is called aerobic catabolic metabolism and forms water as the final waste.

It can also happen in the absence of oxygen, in which case it is called anaerobic catabolic metabolism.

Cellular respiration is one of the main metabolic processes of animals, it breaks bonds between molecules to release energy.

When proteins are broken down, amino acids are released and reused in anabolic processes. When a starch molecule is metabolized, it breaks down into several smaller glucose molecules that will provide energy.

Differences between anabolism and catabolism

In anabolism reactions of synthesis of complex molecules occur with energy expenditure. In catabolism, molecules are broken down to produce energy.

See too:

• Metabolism
• Biochemistry
• Mitochondria and cellular respiration
• Glycolysis