Biology 2013 JAMB Past Questions - Question 2: The process in which complex substances are broken down into simpler ones is referred to as

Correct Answer

A

Explanation

Metabolism is al! the chemical reactions through an organism builds up or breaks down materials as it carries out its life process. It is divided into two parts anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism is a process of building up complex molecules from simple or small molecules. Examples are growth and photosynthesis. Growth involves the use of digested food (simplemolecules) such as amino acids to build up new cells or protoplasm. Photosynthesis involves the use of carbon IV oxide, water and light energy to build up carbohydrate(large molecule). Catabolism is the breaking down of complex or -large molecule into simple molecules e.g. carbohydrate is oxidised in the presence of oxygen to release energy stored in form of ATP, carbon IVoxide and water. Tropism is a growth movement exhibited by stationary plant in response to unilateral stimulus.