Anabolic

An anabolic pathway is a chemical pathway that uses energy (usually ATP) to synthesize smaller molecules into larger units. This is opposed to catabolic 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 proteins and nucleic acids. Anabolic hormones such as Anabolic steroids stimulate protein synthesis and therefore muscle growth, hench their use by bodybuilding athletes to increase muscle mass quickly.