PRADEEP’S STUDY MATERIAL

CATABOLISM vs ANABOLISM
Introduction:
Metabolism is a crucial part of growth, development and efficient functionality for the body. It
can be categorized into two types based on their functions: Catabolism and Anabolism. The major
differences between these two are the way the molecules are utilized in the body.
What is Anabolism?
Anabolism includes the production of components of cells such as proteins, carbohydrates,
lipids, which require energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) which are energy-rich
compounds. Anabolic processes in growing cells control catabolic processes. The balance exists
between both in non-growing cells.
Definition: Anabolism is a set of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that synthesize relatively complex
molecules from simple structures in living systems.
 Anabolism is also called biosynthesis as it is involved in the formation of various compounds
that are then used as cell components as well as energy.
 The process of anabolism requires energy; thus, it is an endergonic process, and the primary
source of energy is solar energy.
 Anabolism is a part of metabolism where organic substances are formed so that they can be
used later for energy.
 Reactions in anabolism occur in a step-by-step process so as to increase the organic content of
the cell, which is essential for growth.
 In a non-growing cell, the process of anabolism is balanced by catabolism, but in growing cells,
anabolic processes often dominate over catabolic reactions.
 The process of anabolism occurs in three distinct stages: In the first stage, monomers like
monosaccharides and amino acids are formed. In the second stage, the monomers are activated
by providing energy. In the final stage, the reactive monomers are assembled into complex
molecules like polysaccharides and proteins.
 The overall process of anabolism differs in different groups of living beings. Autotrophs can
synthesize complex molecules starting with single carbon precursors like carbon dioxide, but
heterotrophs utilize the monomers from autotrophs to synthesize organic polymers.
 Anabolism is powered by catabolism where the energy obtained from catabolism is used for
anabolism.
 The most important process in anabolism is polymerization, where monomeric units are linked
together to form polymeric units.
 Anabolism is regulated by enzymes that undergo irreversible steps at some point in the
pathways to ensure that biosynthesis doesn’t occur in an infinite loop.
 Anabolic processes include pathways like photosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis,
and gluconeogenesis which are essential for the built-up of organs and tissues and their
differentiation.
Examples of Anabolic Reactions / Anabolism:
Protein biosynthesis: Protein biosynthesis is an anabolic process where smaller molecules like amino
acids are linked together to form peptides and proteins. The process of protein biosynthesis occurs in
two stages; transcription and translation. During transcription, a strand of mRNA is formed
from DNA which contains the codes for the resulting protein. Transcription is followed by translation,
where the mRNA moves to the ribosomes that read the sequence on the mRNA. Based on the sequence,
tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosomes in the correct sequence to form a protein molecule. The
proteins formed by this process are used for different purposes like a build-up of body mass, regulation
of chemical reaction (enzymes), etc. Protein biosynthesis is anabolic as it results in the formation of
proteins that are essential for the growth and maintenance of the living system.
Photosynthesis: Another example of an anabolic reaction is photosynthesis. This is series of
biochemical reactions that takes place in the chloroplasts of plants and involves the synthesis of glucose
from carbon dioxide gas and water molecules. Like all anabolic reactions, photosynthesis requires an
input of energy and is powered by light energy from the sun.
Glycogen synthesis: Glycogen synthesis (glycogenesis) is another example of anabolism. During
glycogen synthesis, glucose molecules are assembled into long chains of glycogen, which are used to
store energy in the liver and muscles.
What is Catabolism?
Catabolism is referred to as a series of metabolic pathways that are involved in the conversion of
macromolecules into simpler molecules or monomers. Complex molecules are disintegrated into
simpler molecules that can be utilized as building blocks for other molecules that are required by cells
to function such as glycogen, proteins, and triglycerides. Few of these molecules are simply broken
down into waste products which are an alternate way to obtain usable energy.
Definition: Catabolism is a set of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that breakdown large complex molecules
into smaller units in living systems.
 The most important aspect of catabolism is the release of energy which is stores in the body in
the form of ATP.
 It is a destructive process consisting of different exergonic reactions that result in the release of
energy.
 In addition to energy and units for anabolic reaction, catabolism also produces cellular wastes
like urea, carbon dioxide, ammonia, lactic acid, etc.
 Catabolism is the breaking-down part of the metabolism which provides energy as well as
resources for anabolism.
 The process of catabolism occurs in three distinct phases: In the first stage, large complex
molecules are broken down into smaller particles where a small amount of energy is released in
the form of heat.
 In the second stage, the smaller molecules are oxidized, releasing energy to form ATP. In the
final stage, the molecules are oxidized to carbon dioxide via the Krebs cycle.
 Catabolism might differ in different living systems based on the utilization of organic
compounds as a source of carbon or electron donor.
 Heterotrophs break down larger organic molecules in order to generate energy, whereas
organotrophs generate energy by producing electrons from the breakdown of organic molecules.
 The most important catabolic process in living systems is cellular respiration where
intermediate molecules from various other pathways meet to generate a large amount of energy.
 In growing cells, catabolism is often dominated by anabolism, but catabolism is essential for the
release of energy required for the growth of the living system.
 Catabolism, like anabolism, is regulated by a set of enzymes that make sure to prevent
excessive catabolic reactions.
 Catabolic reactions occur when the body is active and requires energy to perform different
living activities.
 Some of the catabolic processes are: Citric acid cycle, Glycolysis, Lipolysis, Oxidative
deamination and Muscle tissue breakdown.
Examples of Catabolic Reactions / catabolism:
Cellular Respiration: Most living organisms utilize glucose as a source of energy which enters
cellular respiration and broken down into smaller units in order to release energy. Cellular respiration is
a type of catabolic reaction that takes place inside every living cell. It requires oxygen as it is an
oxidation process and occurs within each cell leading to the release of a large amount of energy and
carbon dioxide. It consists of a set of catabolic reactions, all of which are catalyzed by
different enzymes. It produces various intermediates like acetate and pyruvate that can be utilized in
anabolic processes.
Digestion of Food: Another vital type of catabolism is the digestion of food. Digestion involves a
series of catabolic reactions that break large food molecules down into smaller, simpler molecules. For
example, proteins are broken down into amino acids; complex carbohydrates are broken down into
simple sugars; lipids are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. The body may then break these
smaller, simpler molecules down even further to release energy or use them as ‘building blocks’ for
anabolic processes.
Differences between Catabolism and Anabolism
The major differences between catabolism and anabolism are summarized below.
Characteristics Anabolism Catabolism
Anabolism is a set of enzyme-catalyzed Catabolism is a set of enzyme-catalyzed
reactions that synthesize relatively reactions that breakdown large complex
Definition
complex molecules from simple molecules into smaller units in living
structures in living systems. systems.
Role in Anabolism is the constructive phase of Catabolism is the destructive phase of
metabolism metabolism. metabolism.
In anabolism, large complex molecules
In catabolism, large molecules are
Process are synthesized from smaller
broken down to form smaller molecules.
molecules.
Anabolic reactions require a Catabolic reactions release a
Energy
considerable amount of energy. considerable amount of energy.
Anabolic reactions are endergonic Catabolic reactions are exergonic
Reaction
reactions. reactions.
Catabolic processes require oxygen as
Oxygen is not required for anabolic
Role of oxygen most of the reactions are oxidation
processes.
reactions.
Energy During anabolism, kinetic energy in the During catabolism, potential energy is
conversion body is converted to potential energy. converted into kinetic energy.
Anabolic processes usually occur when Catabolic processes usually occur when
Occurs during
the body is at rest or asleep. the body is active and requires energy.
Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, Hormones like adrenaline, cortisol,
Hormones
growth hormones, and insulin are glucagon, and cytokines are involved in
involved
involved in anabolism. catabolism.
In growing cells, anabolism dominates Catabolic reactions are less prevalent
Growing cells
over catabolism. than anabolic reactions in growing cells.
Anabolic reactions are often anaerobic Catabolic reactions are aerobic and
Effects on
in nature and result in a build-up of result in burning fat and calories during
exercise
muscle mass. exercise.
Anabolism is essential for the growth Catabolism is essential to perform
Primary function
and maintenance of living systems. different activities in living systems.
Processes like photosynthesis, protein Processes like cellular respiration,
Examples biosynthesis, and assimilation are some digestion, and excretion are some
examples of anabolic processes. examples of catabolic processes.
Conclusion:
Catabolic and Anabolic processes are required for the proper functioning of the body.
Catabolism involves breaking down of complex molecules and releasing energy for the body to use.
The anabolic process is the complete opposite of catabolism as it involves creating bigger, complex
molecules from smaller, simpler molecules. These are usually stored by the body for future use.