Final answer:
Catabolism is the process of breaking down molecules to release energy and is an exergonic reaction, while anabolism is the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones, consuming energy, and is therefore an endergonic reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding catabolism and anabolism is crucial for gaining insight into the chemical processes that sustain life. Catabolism refers to the metabolic pathways that break down molecules into smaller units and release energy. These are exergonic reactions as they release energy, for example, during the breakdown of glucose in cellular respiration.
On the other hand, anabolism encompasses the pathways that build larger and more complex molecules from smaller ones. Such pathways consume energy to form bonds and construct these larger molecules, meaning they are endergonic reactions. Since anabolism involves the synthesis of complex molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from simpler ones, it is not associated with the breaking down of carbohydrates as the question might suggest.