Catabolism is a process in which large molecules such as lipids, proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids are broken down into smaller molecules such as fatty acids, amino acids, monosaccharides and nucleotides, respectively to release energy.
During this process, cellular wastes such as urea, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, ammonia and lactic acid are also produced.
These wastes are produced due to the oxidation process which also results in a release of chemical free energy.
Most part of this energy is used to drive the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Catabolism makes an important set of pathways because it provides the chemical energy that is necessary for the growth, rebuilding and maintenance of the cells.
There are many examples of catabolism processes such as citric acid cycle, glycolysis, breakdown of fat into fatty acids, and the breakdown of body protein in order to use different types of amino acid as substrates for gluconeogenesis.
Many hormones such as glucagon, adrenaline, cortisol and catecholamines control the catabolism.
Other hormones which also contribute in the process of catabolism are hypocertin, cytokines and melatonin.
Anabolism is a natural process in which complex molecules are formed from smaller units.
These reactions require energy and use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to run at a normal pace.
The opposite of anabolism is catabolism which breakdowns the complex molecules into simple substances which are then used up in respiration.
It is important to remember, however, that anabolism is powered by catabolism and a balance between both of these processes is important to carry out metabolic reactions within one's body.
There are certain anabolic hormones such as anabolic steroids, testosterone, estradiol, insulin, IGF1 and growth hormones.
The recently discovered hormones include melatonin, hypocretin and orexin.
Anabolic steroids are also artificially synthesized outside of a human body and are injected by professional athletes to stimulate muscle growth and protein synthesis.
Anabolic processes are very important as they help build up tissues and organs.
Examples of anabolic processes include the mineralization and growth of bones and increase in muscle mass.
These processes also help increase in body size by involving synthesis of complex molecules.
In summary, anabolism can be defined as the set of metabolic processes and bio-chemical reactions which help to produce complex components from smaller units.
Catabolism, on the other hand, is also a metabolic process which helps to breakdown larger molecules such as lipids and protein into smaller units such as fatty acids and amino acids respectively.
In other words, anabolism helps you grow bigger and stronger while catabolism may lead to the fat reduction and weight loss.