Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What is the term for the process where smaller particles combine to form larger particles?

1. Catabolism

2. Anabolism

3. Metabolism

4. Photosynthesis

The correct answer is: Anabolism

The term that describes the process in which smaller particles combine to form larger particles is known as anabolism. This is a key aspect of metabolism, which encompasses all chemical reactions in the body, including both the breakdown of molecules (catabolism) and the synthesis of larger molecules from smaller units. During anabolism, organisms use energy to construct components of cells such as proteins and nucleic acids. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and the maintenance of tissue and cellular structures. For example, when amino acids are linked together to form proteins, this is an anabolic pathway. While metabolism includes both anabolic and catabolic processes, anabolism specifically highlights the creation and synthesis aspect, distinguishing it from catabolism, which focuses on breaking down substances for energy. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is a specific process that occurs in plants to convert light energy into chemical energy but does not directly describe the overall synthesis of larger particles from smaller ones.