Question

Question: How would the processes of catabolism and anabolism relate to Figure 8.5c?

Short answer

Catabolism is the breakdown of large molecules into smaller molecules. Catabolism is illustrated in the above figure, from top to bottom.

On the other hand, anabolism is the synthesis of larger molecules from smaller molecules. Anabolism is demonstrated as one moves from the bottom to the top of the figure.

Step-by-step solution

Metabolism

The chemical process that converts the food into energy is called metabolism.The energy produced is used to drive the cellular processes in the cell. Thus, metabolism is the life-sustaining process that occurs in all living organisms.

Metabolism is divided into two processes; catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism in the figure

Catabolism is a type of metabolism in which larger or complex molecules are degraded to produce smaller or simpler molecules accompanied by the release of energy.

The process of catabolism is exemplified in the figure from top to bottom. This is because a large glucose molecule is broken down into simpler molecules.

Anabolism in the figure

Anabolism is a type of metabolism in which smaller and simpler molecules are used to synthesize large and complex molecules accompanied by energy storage.

The process of anabolism is exemplified in the figure from the bottom to the top. This is because the smaller molecules are used to produce glucose molecules.