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An anabolic pathway is a chemical pathway that uses energy (usually [[ATP|ATP]]) to synthesize smaller [[Molecules|molecules]] into larger units. This is opposed to [[Catabolism|catabolic]]&nbsp;pathways which break down large molecules into numerous smaller molecules, releasing energy in the process. Anabolic pathways are vital for constructing components of cells, such as [[javascript:void(0);/*1320756169990*/|proteins]] and nucleic acids. Anabolic [[Hormones|hormones ]]such as [[anabolic steroids]]&nbsp;stimulate protein synthesis and therefore muscle growth, hench their use by bodybuilding athletes to increase muscle mass quickly.