Comparing and Contrasting Catabolic & Anabolic reactions

Catabolic and Anabolic reactions are metabolic processes. Both the capture and use of energy by organisms involves a series of thousands of reactions (metabolism). A catabolic reaction is one that breaks down large molecules to produce energy; an example is digestion. An anabolic reaction is one that involve creating large molecules out of smaller molecules.

Definition:

Catabolic- The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy.

Anabolic- The phase of metabolism in which simple substances are synthesized into the complex materials of living tissue.