Which statement best defines catabolism?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best defines catabolism?

Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, and in cells this process releases energy that can be captured as ATP or reducing equivalents like NADH. This makes the description that emphasizes breakdown with energy release the correct way to define catabolism. Anabolic processes, in contrast, synthesize complex molecules and typically store energy in chemical bonds. So describing catabolism as merely “the breakdown of complex molecules to simpler ones only” misses the essential idea that energy is released during degradation and that catabolic pathways feed energy and building blocks to the cell.

Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, and in cells this process releases energy that can be captured as ATP or reducing equivalents like NADH. This makes the description that emphasizes breakdown with energy release the correct way to define catabolism. Anabolic processes, in contrast, synthesize complex molecules and typically store energy in chemical bonds. So describing catabolism as merely “the breakdown of complex molecules to simpler ones only” misses the essential idea that energy is released during degradation and that catabolic pathways feed energy and building blocks to the cell.

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