Practice Question
What occurs in the body during catabolism?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Molecules are broken down, and energy is released.
Rationale:
👉Catabolism is the metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, releasing energy that the body can use.
👉This breakdown allows the body to produce ATP, which fuels essential cellular functions such as muscle contraction and nerve conduction.
👉Catabolism occurs during fasting, stress, illness, and exercise when the body requires stored energy for immediate use.
👉Examples of catabolic processes include the breakdown of glycogen into glucose and fat stores into fatty acids.
👉Because catabolism releases energy, this option accurately describes what occurs in this metabolic phase.
Unused energy is stored in the form of fat.
👉Storing unused energy as fat is a process of anabolism, not catabolism.
👉During anabolism, the body builds larger molecules from smaller ones, which includes storing excess glucose as fat for long-term energy.
👉Catabolism does the opposite by breaking down stored molecules to release energy.
👉This option incorrectly associates fat storage with a catabolic state, which is not physiologically accurate.
👉Therefore, this answer does not describe catabolic metabolism.
Glucose uses energy to convert to glycogen.
👉The conversion of glucose into glycogen (glycogenesis) is another anabolic process in which energy is used, not released.
👉This reaction involves building larger, more complex molecules from smaller ones, which directly opposes catabolic activity.
👉Catabolism breaks down glycogen into glucose—not the other way around.
👉Because this process requires energy input rather than energy release, it contradicts the definition of catabolism.
Small molecules are combined to make larger molecules.
👉Combining small molecules to form larger ones is the classic definition of anabolism, not catabolism.
👉This includes the synthesis of proteins from amino acids and the creation of glycogen from glucose.
👉This process requires energy input and is involved in tissue building, growth, and repair.
👉Catabolism does the opposite—it breaks larger molecules down.
👉Therefore, this option does not reflect catabolic metabolism.
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This question is from W4 NR228 EXAM 1. which contains 58 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Nutrition
- Answer Choices: 4