When it comes to the larger subject of metabolism, you are definitely going to want to learn more about the difference between anabolism and catabolism. However, it is also completely reasonable to want to develop a basic understanding of metabolism first. In doing so, we can study the differences between anabolism and catabolism much more accurately.
What Are The Differences Between Anabolism And Catabolism
Remember that metabolism refers to any chemical reaction that occurs within a living organism. Whenever we are talking about chemical reactions, it is possible to group them under this larger heading. It is believed that there are around five thousand types of chemical compound possibilities going on within the cell, showing a considerable variety of chemical reactions.
At this point, we can now understand that every metabolic reaction you can imagine is going to fall into one of two camps. The first camp would be anabolism. The second camp would be catabolism. Everything we understand about nature ultimately comes down to the constant dance organisms enjoy between photosynthesis and respiration. Photosynthesis is also known as anabolism, while respiration is known as catabolism.
You should now be able to see the differences between anabolism and catabolism quite clearly. Simply by looking at the definitions mentioned above, you can see that anabolism and catabolism share some significant differences from one another. This is in spite of the fact that they are both crucial players in the metabolism equation. Dig beneath the surface, and you should uncover many more subtle differences that you can appreciate.
For example, anabolism essential works with processes that involve creation. You will see this component working closely with things that involving some sort of building up stage. Not only is energy being used, but it is also being stored safely for possible usage later on. Assimilation with animals is one example of what we are talking about. The process of photosynthesis in plants is another example you can consider.
Then you have catabolism operating under quite different functions. You will find catabolism as a key part to anything that involves a destructive process, or to anything that involves breaking things down to a simpler form. When energy is released through catabolism, it is going to be released in the form of kinetic energy. Cell respiration is a good possibility to consider, if you need some more definitive examples of catabolism in action. Digestion and excretion are two more examples that you can keep in mind.
