Question

Which of the following is an example of an anabolic reaction?

a. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) being broken down into water (H₂O)
and oxygen (O₂)
b. Glucose being used by the mitochondrion to create ATP
c. The chemical processes of food digestion
d. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) combined to form glucose

Answer 1

d. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) combined to form glucose is an example of an anabolic reaction. Anabolic reactions are those that build up complex molecules from simpler ones, while catabolic reactions break down complex molecules into simpler ones. In this case, glucose is a complex molecule that is being built up from simpler molecules (CO₂ and H₂O).