Katabolizmu

Katabolizam refers to the set of metabolic pathways that breaks down molecules into smaller units that are either oxidized to release energy or are used to build new molecules. These pathways are considered degradative or catabolic. In essence, katabolizam is the process of breaking down complex organic molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. This energy is then captured in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell.

Key examples of katabolizam include the digestion of food, where large molecules like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down into smaller units such as glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. These smaller molecules can then be further processed through cellular respiration to generate ATP. Glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain are central pathways involved in the katabolizam of glucose. Similarly, beta-oxidation breaks down fatty acids, and proteolysis degrades proteins.

The energy released during katabolizam can be used for various cellular activities, including muscle contraction, active transport, and synthesis of new molecules. While katabolizam focuses on breaking down substances, it is often coupled with anabolizam, the synthetic process, to maintain cellular homeostasis and function. Together, katabolizam and anabolizam constitute metabolism.