Final answer:
A catabolic process involves the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy. Cellular respiration is a catabolic process, as it involves the degradation of glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catabolic Process Definition
A catabolic process is one that involves the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy as a result. Examples include the digestion of food and the breakdown of ATP. On the other hand, an anabolic process is one that builds larger molecules from smaller ones, which requires energy uptake.
Identifying Catabolic Processes
The options you provided offer opportunities to identify both catabolic and anabolic processes. Option (b) Cellular respiration is an example of a catabolic reaction, where glucose is broken down to release energy in the form of ATP. Photosynthesis (option a), DNA replication (option c), and Protein synthesis (option d) are all anabolic processes, as they involve the construction of larger molecules from smaller ones and require energy.
As you can see, the correct answer to your initial question is b) Cellular respiration.