Anabolism or biosynthesis is a metabolic process in which complex substances are generated from other simpler substances. The word comes from the Greek ana, which means ‘up’, and ballein, which means ‘throw’.
Anabolism is one of the activities that metabolism performs. It is complemented by a process called catabolism, whose main function is to extract energy for cells by degrading complex nutrients into simple products.
To make life possible, all living beings complete metabolic processes. In this sense, both vegetables and animals record anabolic processes, but these are of a different nature, and therefore, they receive different names. For example, gluconeogenesis, photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, etc. All these processes are called the generic anabolic route.
In the case of plants, the anabolic process of photosynthesis allows them to obtain glycosa from water molecules (H20) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) molecules .
In the case of human beings, the process is strategically related to the formation of muscle tissue, which is based on energy consumption. Thus, proteins are synthesized from amino acids. Therefore, anabolic processes can be stimulated through a highly protein diet and the practice of exercises.
Anabolism Functions
Among the essential functions of anabolism, the following can be highlighted:
- It allows the formation of cells and, therefore, of tissues.
- Increase muscle mass;
- It stores energy through chemical bonds in organic molecules.
