Catabolic and anabolic pathways are two important parts of how our body gets and uses energy.

But they can be tricky to understand!

Here are the main differences between them:

Catabolism:

• What It Does: Catabolism breaks down big molecules to produce energy.
• Problem: This process can create too many waste products, which might be harmful to the body.

Anabolism:

• What It Does: Anabolism builds up complex molecules from simpler ones.
• Problem: This process needs a lot of energy and has to be carefully controlled. If not, it can lead to health issues.

How to Help:

• It's really important to find a balance between catabolism and anabolism. Eating the right foods can help with this.
• Using pictures and charts to show these pathways can make understanding them easier.