C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
Anabolic reactions build larger molecules, while catabolic reactions break molecules down and release usable materials or energy for cellular processes.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- C1.1.3
- Level
- HL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2023
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–3
Common command terms
- Identify
- Distinguish
Recent exam appearances
May 2023Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ15[ 1 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
May 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ28[ 1 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
May 2017Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ15(c)[ 3 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
November 2016Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ03(a)[ 2 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
Practice this objective
Coverage 2016–2023 · Updated 15 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Anabolism builds larger or more complex molecules from smaller units.
- Catabolism breaks molecules down into smaller products.
- Condensation is commonly anabolic, while hydrolysis is commonly catabolic.
- Metabolism includes both anabolic and catabolic reactions.