Which term is defined as the breakdown of organic materials by chemical means within cells?

Which term is defined as the breakdown of organic materials by chemical means within cells?

• A. Endocrine
• B. Auricularis superior
• C. Catabolism
• D. Clean

Answer: (C)

Catabolism is the breakdown of organic materials by chemical means within cells. It converts complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy that cells use to power activities. This fits with metabolism, where catabolic pathways (like glycolysis) provide the energy currency for cellular processes. The other terms don’t describe a cellular breakdown process: endocrine relates to hormones, auricularis superior is a muscle, and clean is not a biological term.

Catabolism is the breakdown of organic materials by chemical means within cells. It converts complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy that cells use to power activities. This fits with metabolism, where catabolic pathways (like glycolysis) provide the energy currency for cellular processes. The other terms don’t describe a cellular breakdown process: endocrine relates to hormones, auricularis superior is a muscle, and clean is not a biological term.