Catabolism vs. Metabolism — What's the Difference?

Involves the degradation of complex substances.

The complete set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.

Often leads to the release of waste products.

Involves both energy-consuming and energy-releasing reactions.

It generally releases energy usable by the organism.

Critical for cellular and physiological homeostasis.

Predominantly involves exothermic reactions.

Encompasses both anabolic and catabolic processes.

The metabolic process that breaks down molecules into smaller units.

Metabolism (, from Greek: μεταβολή metabolē, "change") is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. The three main purposes of metabolism are: the conversion of food to energy to run cellular processes; the conversion of food/fuel to building blocks for proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and some carbohydrates; and the elimination of metabolic wastes.

Catabolism () is the set of metabolic pathways that breaks down molecules into smaller units that are either oxidized to release energy or used in other anabolic reactions. Catabolism breaks down large molecules (such as polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins) into smaller units (such as monosaccharides, fatty acids, nucleotides, and amino acids, respectively).

The chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for the maintenance of life. In metabolism some substances are broken down to yield energy for vital processes while other substances, necessary for life, are synthesized.

The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.

The processing of a specific substance within a living cell or organism

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

(physiology) The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

(biochemistry) Destructive metabolism, usually including the release of energy and breakdown of materials.

The processes that maintain any dynamic system.

The breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy, in living organisms; destructive or downward metabolism; - a form of metabolism, opposed to anabolism. See also Disassimilation.

The act or process, by which living tissues or cells take up and convert into their own proper substance the nutritive material brought to them by the blood, or by which they transform their cell protoplasm into simpler substances, which are fitted either for excretion or for some special purpose, as in the manufacture of the digestive enzymes. Hence, metabolism may be either constructive (anabolism), or destructive (catabolism).

Breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy

The series of chemical changes which take place in an organism, by means of which food is manufactured and utilized and waste materials are eliminated.

The marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals

The organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life

Balances energy release with energy storage and use.

Metabolism refers to all chemical reactions involved in maintaining the living state of cells and organisms.

Catabolism is the set of metabolic processes that break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.

Catabolism is crucial for converting complex molecules into energy that the body can readily use.

Catabolism is a part of metabolism focused specifically on breaking down molecules and releasing energy, while metabolism includes both breakdown and synthesis.

Enzymes facilitate both the breakdown of substances (catabolic) and the construction of new molecules (anabolic) in metabolic processes.

No, metabolism encompasses both catabolism and anabolism, so without catabolic activities, the overall metabolic processes cannot be sustained.

Proper metabolic function is vital for energy balance, nutrient utilization, and the elimination of toxins, all of which directly impact health.

Factors include age, genetics, hormonal balance, body composition, and overall health status, which can all influence how efficiently the body processes energy.

Catabolism is essential because it provides the energy needed for physical activity, cellular processes, and heat generation, crucial for survival.

Common examples include the breakdown of glucose in glycolysis, the conversion of proteins to amino acids, and the digestion of fats into fatty acids and glycerol.