Reduction is considered an anabolic process. Anabolism refers to the metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units, using energy stores to build cellular structures, whereas catabolism is the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy.
In the context of reduction, it typically involves the gain of electrons or hydrogen, which is essential in synthesizing larger and more complex molecules from smaller ones. For example, in biological systems, reduction reactions play a crucial role in processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration, where they help build necessary compounds from simpler substances. Thus, since reduction facilitates the formation of complex molecules, it aligns more closely with anabolic activities.