Biology Practice Test 2026 – Master Energy, Enzymes, Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis & Metabolic Pathways with This All-in-One Guide!

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Define anabolic and catabolic pathways and give an example each within energy metabolism.

Anabolic pathways break down larger molecules to release energy; catabolic build larger molecules.

Anabolic pathways synthesize larger molecules; catabolic pathways break down molecules to release energy; example: photosynthesis for anabolic, glycolysis for catabolic.

Anabolic pathways use energy to assemble small molecules into larger, more complex ones. Catabolic pathways release energy by breaking down large molecules into smaller ones. In energy metabolism, photosynthesis is an anabolic process because it builds glucose using energy from light. Glycolysis is a catabolic process because it splits glucose to release energy, yielding ATP and other carriers.

The other ideas mix up the directions of energy flow or what light is doing: anabolic processes don’t break down molecules, and catabolic processes aren’t limited to building fats. Also, not all metabolic steps need light—glycolysis doesn’t require light, while photosynthesis does.

Anabolic reactions break down sugars; catabolic reactions build fats.

Both rely on light.