Question

What are catabolic reactions? Do they generate or consume ATP?

A) They build complex molecules; consume ATP.

B) They break down complex molecules; generate ATP.

C) They build complex molecules; generate ATP.

D) They break down complex molecules; consume ATP.

Answer 1

Catabolic reactions break down complex molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy; a portion of this energy is used to produce ATP, the cell's energy currency.

Step-by-step explanation:

Catabolic reactions are biological processes that break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process. This released energy is then captured by the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. Approximately 40 percent of the energy from these reactions is used to form ATP, which can be used immediately by cells or stored for future energy demands, while the remaining 60 percent is released as heat. Therefore, when catabolic reactions occur, they generate ATP.