Which best describes a catabolic reaction?

A) It involves the expenditure of energy.
B) It involves the anabolic production of complex molecules.
C) It involves the breakdown of life sustaining processes within cells.
D) It involves the breakdown of large organic molecules to simple building blocks.
E) It involves the synthesis of complex organic molecules from simple building blocks.

Catabolic Reaction

A catabolic reaction is a metabolic pathway that breaks down molecules into smaller units, releasing energy.

Organic Molecules

Chemical compounds containing carbon that are found in or produced by living organisms, excluding carbonates, carbides, and carbon oxides.

Building Blocks

Fundamental components or elements from which larger structures are constructed, often used metaphorically for basic concepts or components in various fields.