Question

Compare and contrast the processes of catabolism and anabolism. Explain one way each of the terms differs from each other in relation to cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Catabolism is a process in which large molecules break down into smaller ones like a long chain fatty acid molecules breakdown into acetyl-CoA and releases energy in the surrounding, so catabolism provides the energy which in required for the biological system to function properly, that means it is an exothermic process. In cellular respiration, glucose molecules breakdown into smaller pyruvate which subsequently goes to the citric acid cycle and after that to the electron transport chain to produce ATP as the energy source for the cell, so, it is the ideal example of catabolism.

And in compare to catabolism anabolism is process in which small molecules combined together to form a large molecule like carbohydrates, proteins etc. This process requires energy to complete the anabolism process. So cell expenditure its energy to accomplish the anabolism of a specific macromolecules to full fill its requirement. In photosynthesis, the carbon dioxide molecule assimilated with the help of an enzyme and produce 3-phosphoglycerate in the Calvin cycle. It is a ideal example of an anabolism.