What is catabolism characterized by?

Catabolism is characterized by the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller units, which is a crucial process for energy production in living organisms. Specifically, this involves the hydrolysis of macromolecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, into their respective monomers, which can then be used for various metabolic processes or further catabolized for energy.

For example, proteins are broken down into amino acids, carbohydrates into monosaccharides, and fats into fatty acids and glycerol. This breakdown releases energy that the cell can harness to fuel its functions, making the process pivotal for maintaining life and facilitating metabolism. Therefore, the hydrolysis of macromolecules into monomers effectively encapsulates the essence of catabolic processes, as it highlights both the degradation of larger structures and the release of energy required for the organism's activities.