Final answer:
Catabolism is the process of breaking down molecules to release energy or obtain intermediates, while anabolism is the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones. In overtraining, catabolism can lead to the breakdown of muscle tissue, while anabolism is involved in repairing and growing muscle tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catabolism is the set of chemical reactions in living things that break down molecules to release energy or obtain intermediates needed in other reactions. Anabolism, on the other hand, is the set of chemical reactions that build larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy.
Overtraining is a condition that occurs when an individual exercises excessively without allowing enough time for recovery. In the context of overtraining, catabolism plays a role in breaking down muscle tissue and releasing energy, while anabolism is involved in the repair and growth of muscle tissue. When overtraining occurs, the balance between these processes may be disrupted, leading to the breakdown of muscle tissue and a decrease in performance.