Which statement about anabolic pathways is true?

• A. They produce energy by breaking down molecules
• B. They are not involved in energy use
• C. They build complex molecules using energy
• D. They release energy as heat during synthesis

Answer: (C)

Anabolic pathways require energy input to assemble complex molecules from simpler ones. Building molecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides needs energy to form the new chemical bonds, so the cell uses energy supplied by ATP (and often NADPH or other carriers) to drive these reactions forward. This is why the correct statement says they build complex molecules using energy.

In contrast, catabolic pathways break down molecules to release energy, which cells capture as ATP to power other processes. The idea that synthesis releases energy as heat isn’t the defining feature of anabolic pathways—the crucial point is the need for energy to construct larger molecules.