What is the difference between anabolism and catabolism?
Living organisms experience metabolic processes that help them to grow, live, reproduce, heal, and adapt to the environment. This process can either be anabolism and catabolism.
The lesson provides the core difference between anabolism and catabolism in tabular form. Take the time to read through and get to know the differences.
What Is Anabolism?
Anabolism is a biochemical process that builds molecules in the body and the process normally requires energy for completion.
This biochemical process is also known as biosynthesis and it entails the production of cellular components like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
What Is Catabolism?
Catabolism is a biochemical process that breakdown complex molecules into smaller molecules and it normally releases energy for the organism.
Examples of catabolic processes are the citric acid cycle, glycolysis, lipolysis, oxidative deamination, and muscle tissue breakdown.
Comparison Chart: Anabolism vs Catabolism
Basic Terms | Anabolism | Catabolism |
Meaning | Build molecules that the body requires | Breakdown complex molecules to smaller molecules. |
Energy | Requires energy | Releases energy |
Hormones | Estrogen, testosterone, insulin, growth hormone. | Adrenaline, cortisol, glucagon, cytokines. |
Reaction type | Endergonic | Exergonic |
Oxygen | Not utilized | Often utilized |
Effects on exercise | Building muscles mass | Burning of calories and fats |
Examples | Assimilation in animals and Photosynthesis in plants | Cell respiration, Digestion, and excretion |
Core Difference between Anabolism and Catabolism
- Anabolism builds molecules required by the body to function while catabolism is the breakdown of big complex molecules into smaller molecules for easier absorption.
- The anabolic process releases energy while catabolic processes require energy
- Examples of hormones used in anabolic processes are estrogen, testosterone, growth hormones, and insulin while that of catabolic processes are adrenaline, cytokine, glucagon, and cortisol.
- The anabolic process enhances maintenance, growth, and storage whereas the catabolic process required to perform different activities.
- The effect of anabolism on exercise is anaerobic and generally build muscle mass while catabolism is aerobic and help to burn fats as well as calories.
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Comparison Video
Summary
Anabolism and catabolism are the two main components of metabolism. The core difference between anabolism and catabolism is based on reaction type.
Understanding the two processes will enable you to know the meaning behind these two metabolic processes.
More Sources and References
- Catabolism and Anabolism. Healthline
- Catabolism. Wikipedia
- Anabolism. Wikipedia