Final answer:
Catabolism is the process of breaking down larger complex food molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy that is needed for the body's metabolic processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The breaking down of larger food particles into smaller molecules is known as catabolism. This metabolic process involves a set of chemical reactions where complex molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins from ingested food are broken down into smaller parts. These smaller molecules include simple sugars from carbohydrates, fatty acids and glycerol from fats, and amino acids from proteins. Catabolic reactions release energy that is then used for various metabolic processes in the body, which is essential for maintaining life.
Digestion is a key component of catabolism, beginning in the mouth and concluding in the small intestine, where the small molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream. In contrast to catabolism, anabolism involves the use of energy to synthesize larger molecules from smaller ones. Metabolism encompasses both catabolic and anabolic pathways, critical in regulating the body's energy balance.