Catabolic

A catabolic pathway is a chemical pathway which generates energy by degrading large molecules (such as carbohydrates and fats) into smaller units (such as monosaccharaides and fatty acids), it is often refered to as a degradative process. The energy produced is normally in the form of ATP. In biological systems, catabolic pathways are usually coupled with anabolic pathways as they provide the needed energy for the anabolic reaction to occur. Catabolic pathways are especially important in cellular respiration particularly in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.