Anabolism: Understanding the Building Blocks of Life

Anabolics: Anabolics, as opposed to catabolic processes, are biological processes that build up molecules from smaller units, such as the synthesis of proteins from amino acids.

In the field of biochemistry, anabolism is synonymous with biosynthesis.

Anabolic processes require energy and are thus accompanied by the breakdown of energy-yielding molecules, catabolism, in the same organism or the same cell. However, while anabolic reactions produce more complex molecules at the expense of energy, catabolic reactions break down complex molecules into smaller ones, releasing chemical energy.

In some cases, the term "anabolic" is used in contrast to "anticatabolic". For instance, the term anabolic steroids, commonly refers to synthetic or naturally occurring substances that promote muscle and bone development (such as testosterone or trenbolone) in contrast to anticatabolic steroids, such as clenbuterol, that do not directly promote building of those tissues, but prevent or slow their breakdown.

The word "anabolic" comes from the Greek word anabole (αναβολή) meaning "something thrown up", "mound", hence "that which is built up".