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
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing7%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1
Common command terms
- Identify
- Distinguish
Recent exam appearances
November 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ14[ 1 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
May 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ24[ 1 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
May 2023Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ26[ 1 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
May 2022Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ21[ 1 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
May 2021Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ26[ 1 ]C1.1.3—Anabolic and catabolic reactions
Practice this objective
Coverage 2016–2025 · 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.