Looks like cell's phospholipid bilayer is anabolized just like an "endothermic" crystal : no need to cross a potential barrier (and releases energy instead of consuming it)?
On the other hand, other forms of anabolism require crossing an energy barrier (and consumes energy) ?
While catabolysm is the inverse operation : crosses a barrier, but releases energy?
The formation/destruction of "exothermic" crystals like dissolution of Sodium Hydroxide if put in contact with water is I guess similar to above two reactions ? (Or better example: explosives)