Final answer:
Scientists organize metabolic reactions into anabolic and catabolic reactions. Anabolic reactions build larger molecules and consume energy, while catabolic reactions break down molecules and release energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The categories scientists use to organize metabolic reactions are anabolic and catabolic reactions. Anabolic reactions are those that build larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring an input of energy. These are endergonic, or energy-consuming, processes. Examples of anabolic processes include the synthesis of proteins from amino acids and glucose synthesis.
Conversely, catabolic reactions are those that break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process that the cell can utilize for various activities. These are exergonic, or energy-releasing, processes. A common example of a catabolic reaction is the breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration.Therefore, the correct answer to the question "What are the categories scientists use to organize metabolic reactions?" is a) Catabolic and anabolic reactions.