catabolic and anabolic metabolism Metabolism in all cells is divided into catabolic(those pathways involved in breakdown of organic molecules for energy and the production of small compounds that may be used for synthesis)and anabolic (pathways involved in synthesis)processes In all organisms these pathways are balanced as the energy required for anabolic processes is produced by catabolic pathways In mammalian cells, energy production has been maximized by the use of oxygen and thus the cell is usually well supplied with energy; however, in microbes this is not always the case.Metabolism in all cells is divided into catabolic (those pathways involved in breakdown of organic molecules for energy and the production of small compounds that may be used for synthesis) and anabolic (pathways involved in synthesis) processes. In all organisms these pathways are balanced as the energy required for anabolic processes is produced by catabolic pathways. In mammalian cells, energy production has been maximized by the use of oxygen and thus the cell is usually well supplied with energy; however, in microbes this is not always the case. catabolic and anabolic metabolism