Catabolism

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/catabolism

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the biochemical classification?A set of metabolic pathways that breaks down molecules into smaller units
2. What is the primary energy yield?Releases chemical free energy, primarily captured as ATP, through oxidation
3. How does catabolism give our bodies energy?When the body breaks down sugars, fats, and proteins, it releases chemical energy that is captured as ATP, the energy currency that powers muscles, brain, and many other activities.
4. Why does the body break food into tiny pieces?Breaking food into small parts lets the body use those pieces for energy or to build new molecules, keeping cells healthy and balanced.

Metabolic Pathways: A series of interconnected biochemical reactions that occur in cells to achieve a specific outcome.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): The primary energy-carrying molecule in cells, essential for powering cellular work.
Oxidation: A chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons, often releasing energy.