Anabolism is...

• A. Breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones
• B. Releasing energy from glucose
• C. Combining substances in a chemical reaction
• D. Building up larger molecules from smaller ones

Answer: (D)

Anabolism is building up larger molecules from smaller ones, using energy to drive the synthesis. Think of it as assembling complex structures like proteins from amino acids or glycogen from glucose. This energy input is what sets it apart from processes that break molecules apart to release energy (catabolism) or generic reactions that don’t specify building up specific big molecules. In body and skin biology, anabolic processes are the builders—creating and repairing tissues by linking small units into larger, functional compounds.