Question

question 25
the cellular process of breaking down large molecules into smaller ones is defined as ...
○ catalysis.
○ metabolism.
○ anabolism.
○ dehydration.
○ catabolism.

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• Catalysis: The process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance known as a catalyst. It is not about breaking down molecules into smaller ones.
• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism, including both building up (anabolism) and breaking down (catabolism) of molecules. It is a broader term and not specific to breaking down.
• Anabolism: The set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units, which is the opposite of breaking down large molecules.
• Dehydration: A process involving the removal of water, often in the formation of larger molecules (e.g., dehydration synthesis in forming polymers), not breaking down large molecules.
• Catabolism: The set of metabolic pathways that break down large molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process. This matches the description in the question.

Answer:

E. catabolism