Catabolic

A metabolic state in which cells break down large polymeric molecules to form monomeric molecules and energy in the form of ATP. An example is breaking down glycogen to form glucose. The main catabolic hormones are cortisol, glucagon, and adrenaline. These hormones are responsible for sending the signal to cells to initiate or continue catabolism. Catabolism is the opposite metabolic function of anabolism.