Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test 2026 - Free Anatomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

The process of building larger food molecules from smaller ones is known as anabolism. Anabolism is a subset of metabolism that specifically involves biosynthetic pathways, where simple molecules are transformed into more complex molecules through a series of enzymatic reactions. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in the body.

During anabolism, energy is typically consumed, often in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is produced during catabolic reactions. For example, when amino acids are linked together to form proteins, or when glucose molecules are combined to form glycogen, these are anabolic reactions.

In contrast, catabolism refers to the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process. Digestion is the process that breaks down food substances into their smaller, absorbable components but does not specifically denote the building aspect. Metabolism encompasses both anabolic and catabolic processes but is a broader term that includes all chemical reactions occurring within the body. Therefore, anabolism specifically highlights the synthesis aspect of metabolizing food molecules.