MCQs on Metabolic Pathways – Anabolic vs. Catabolic Reactions
1. Which of the following is true about anabolic reactions?
A) They release energy
B) They break down molecules
C) They build complex molecules
D) They occur in the mitochondria
Answer: C) They build complex molecules
2. Catabolic reactions are primarily involved in:
A) Energy storage
B) Energy release
C) Protein synthesis
D) DNA replication
Answer: B) Energy release
3. Which molecule is commonly produced during catabolic reactions?
A) ATP
B) NADPH
C) RNA
D) Glucose
Answer: A) ATP
4. An example of an anabolic pathway is:
A) Glycolysis
B) Photosynthesis
C) Cellular respiration
D) Fermentation
Answer: B) Photosynthesis
5. Which process is an example of a catabolic pathway?
A) Protein synthesis
B) Gluconeogenesis
C) Glycolysis
D) Fatty acid synthesis
Answer: C) Glycolysis
6. What is the main energy currency of cells used in anabolic reactions?
A) Glucose
B) ATP
C) NADH
D) Pyruvate
Answer: B) ATP
7. In which cellular organelle does catabolism primarily occur?
A) Nucleus
B) Golgi apparatus
C) Mitochondria
D) Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer: C) Mitochondria
8. Anabolism is most associated with which of the following?
A) Energy release
B) Molecule breakdown
C) Energy storage
D) Heat production
Answer: C) Energy storage
9. Catabolic reactions are typically:
A) Endergonic
B) Exergonic
C) Neutral
D) Irreversible
Answer: B) Exergonic
10. Which coenzyme is commonly reduced in anabolic reactions?
A) NAD+
B) FAD
C) NADPH
D) Coenzyme Q
Answer: C) NADPH
11. Which of the following is a product of catabolic pathways?
A) ADP
B) Lipids
C) ATP
D) DNA
Answer: C) ATP
12. During an anabolic reaction, small molecules are:
A) Converted into energy
B) Broken into smaller units
C) Combined into larger molecules
D) Excreted from the cell
Answer: C) Combined into larger molecules
13. The process of breaking down glucose for energy is called:
A) Photosynthesis
B) Gluconeogenesis
C) Glycolysis
D) Beta-oxidation
Answer: C) Glycolysis
14. What type of reaction is involved in protein synthesis?
A) Catabolic
B) Anabolic
C) Redox
D) Hydrolytic
Answer: B) Anabolic
15. Which of the following is NOT a feature of catabolic reactions?
A) Production of heat
B) Release of energy
C) Degradation of molecules
D) Consumption of ATP
Answer: D) Consumption of ATP
16. The synthesis of lipids is an example of:
A) Anabolism
B) Catabolism
C) Hydrolysis
D) Oxidation
Answer: A) Anabolism
17. What is the role of enzymes in metabolic pathways?
A) Lower activation energy
B) Provide energy for reactions
C) Act as reactants
D) Maintain equilibrium
Answer: A) Lower activation energy
18. Which of the following best describes catabolic reactions?
A) Energy-consuming
B) Energy-releasing
C) Non-spontaneous
D) Energy-neutral
Answer: B) Energy-releasing
19. Which molecule is often used as an electron carrier in catabolic reactions?
A) NADH
B) ATP
C) FADH2
D) Both A and C
Answer: D) Both A and C
20. Anabolic pathways require which of the following for operation?
A) ADP
B) ATP
C) Pyruvate
D) NADH
Answer: B) ATP
21. The Calvin cycle is an example of:
A) Catabolism
B) Anabolism
C) Fermentation
D) Respiration
Answer: B) Anabolism
22. The breakdown of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA is known as:
A) Gluconeogenesis
B) Glycogenesis
C) Beta-oxidation
D) Photosynthesis
Answer: C) Beta-oxidation
23. What is the primary purpose of catabolic reactions?
A) Build cellular structures
B) Store energy as fat
C) Provide energy for cellular processes
D) Synthesize complex molecules
Answer: C) Provide energy for cellular processes
24. Which pathway converts small precursor molecules into complex macromolecules?
A) Anabolic pathway
B) Catabolic pathway
C) Glycolytic pathway
D) Oxidative pathway
Answer: A) Anabolic pathway
25. ATP synthesis in mitochondria during cellular respiration is an example of:
A) Catabolic reaction
B) Anabolic reaction
C) Dehydration reaction
D) Redox reaction
Answer: A) Catabolic reaction
26. Photosynthesis is an example of:
A) Catabolic process
B) Anabolic process
C) Oxidative process
D) Exergonic reaction
Answer: B) Anabolic process
27. What happens to energy released during catabolic reactions?
A) Stored as glucose
B) Lost as heat
C) Stored in ATP
D) Converted to proteins
Answer: C) Stored in ATP
28. In metabolic pathways, the intermediates are called:
A) Products
B) Precursors
C) Substrates
D) Metabolites
Answer: D) Metabolites
29. Which of the following best describes the relationship between anabolic and catabolic pathways?
A) Mutually exclusive
B) Complementary
C) Independent
D) Irrelevant
Answer: B) Complementary
30. The urea cycle is an example of:
A) Anabolic pathway
B) Catabolic pathway
C) Amphibolic pathway
D) None of the above
Answer: C) Amphibolic pathway
