Which metabolic pathway is responsible for breaking down molecules and releasing energy?

Catabolism is the metabolic pathway specifically responsible for breaking down larger molecules into smaller units, a process that releases energy stored in the chemical bonds of those molecules. This energy can then be utilized by the organism for various cellular activities, such as muscle contraction, nerve impulses, and biosynthesis of cellular components.

Catabolic reactions involve processes like cellular respiration, where glucose is metabolized to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. This pathway contrasts with anabolism, which is the set of metabolic processes that build larger molecules from smaller ones, often requiring an input of energy. Metabolism is a broad term that encompasses both catabolic and anabolic processes, while fermentation is a specific type of catabolic reaction that occurs in the absence of oxygen, converting sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol. However, catabolism is the most direct answer to the question of which pathway specifically breaks down molecules to release energy.