Katabolske

Katabolske is a term used in Danish and Norwegian biochemistry to describe catabolic processes. Catabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that break down large, complex molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy stored in chemical bonds. In contrast to anabolism, which builds up molecules, katabolske reactions provide the energy and substrates needed for cellular functions.

Typical katabolske pathways include glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose to pyruvate; beta-oxidation, the conversion of fatty acids to acetyl-CoA; the citric acid cycle; and proteolysis, the degradation of proteins into amino acids. Many of these reactions occur in different cellular compartments, such as the cytosol and mitochondria, and they often feed into energy-producing processes like oxidative phosphorylation.

The activity of katabolske pathways is influenced by the body's energy status and hormonal signals. They are commonly upregulated during fasting, prolonged exercise, and physiological stress, and downregulated by anabolic signals such as insulin. Hormones like glucagon, adrenaline, and cortisol promote catabolism, while insulin suppresses it in favor of building up tissues.

Clinically, a sustained catabolic state can lead to muscle wasting, weight loss, and impaired function, particularly in chronic illness, trauma, or severe infection. Understanding katabolske processes is important in fields such as physiology, nutrition, medicine, and sports science, where the balance between breakdown and synthesis affects health and performance.