Question

Building a protein by adding amino acids to a growing peptide chain is an example of _________.

A) Phototrophy
B) Chemotrophy
C) Catabolism
D) Anabolism
E) All of the above

Answer 1

Building a protein by adding amino acids to a growing peptide chain is an example of anabolism, which refers to energy-consuming metabolic pathways that build complex molecules from simpler ones.

Step-by-step explanation:

Building a protein by adding amino acids to a growing peptide chain is an example of anabolism. Anabolism refers to the metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units. These reactions are characterized by their need for energy and are considered endergonic reactions, in which energy is absorbed to build more complex molecules.

For instance, during the process of protein synthesis or translation, amino acids are linked together to form a polypeptide chain, which later folds into a functioning protein. Each individual amino acid has an amino group (NH2) and a carboxyl group (COOH). A peptide bond is formed between these groups of adjacent amino acids, releasing a water molecule in a condensation reaction that is catalyzed by ribosomes.

This process consumes more of a cell's energy than any other metabolic process because proteins account for more mass than any other component of living organisms, apart from water, and perform numerous essential functions within the cell.