Catabolism
What is catabolism?
✅ Breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones (releases energy)
What is anabolism?
✅ Building complex molecules from simpler ones (uses energy)
What type of respiration uses oxygen?
✅ Aerobic respiration
What is the main difference between catabolism and anabolism?
✅ Catabolism breaks down molecules and releases energy, while anabolism builds molecules and uses energy
Give one example of an anabolic process in the body and explain it.
✅ Muscle growth – the body uses energy to build muscle tissue from smaller molecules like amino acids
Why does the body need energy? (Give one reason)
✅ For movement / growth / repair / maintaining body functions
Explain how catabolism helps the body during exercise.
✅ Catabolism breaks down glucose to release energy, which the body uses for movement during exercise
Explain how catabolism and anabolism depend on each other.
✅ Catabolism releases energy by breaking down molecules, and this energy is then used by anabolism
What is aerobic respiration?
✅ A process that uses oxygen to release energy from glucose
Explain how catabolism and anabolism work together in a healthcare setting.
✅Catabolism breaks down nutrients such as glucose to release energy. This energy is then used in anabolism to build and repair tissues
A person is recovering from an injury. Explain the role of anabolism.
✅ Anabolism uses energy to build and repair damaged tissues by creating new cells and proteins, helping the body heal
Explain why a person breathes faster during exercise.
✅ To take in more oxygen for aerobic respiration so more energy can be released
A teenage athlete is running a long-distance race.
Explain how catabolism supports their performance.
✅ Model Answer:
Catabolism breaks down glucose in the body to release energy. This energy is used by the muscles to contract during running. During a long-distance race, the athlete needs a continuous supply of energy, so catabolism allows glucose to be broken down through respiration. This supports endurance and helps the athlete maintain their performance over time.
An adult is recovering from surgery.
Explain how anabolism helps their recovery.
✅ Model Answer:
Anabolism uses energy to build complex molecules such as proteins. After surgery, the body needs to repair damaged tissues. Anabolism helps by creating new cells and tissues, which supports healing. This process is important for recovery as it allows wounds to close and the body to regain strength.
Explain why aerobic respiration is more efficient than anaerobic respiration.
✅ Aerobic respiration is more efficient because it uses oxygen to fully break down glucose, releasing more energy. Anaerobic respiration only partially breaks down glucose, so less energy is produced.