Anabolism is characterized by which of the following?

Anabolism is characterized by the construction of molecules, where simpler substances are combined to form more complex structures. This process is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of cells and tissues in living organisms. Anabolic pathways generally involve the synthesis of proteins from amino acids, nucleic acids from nucleotides, and polysaccharides from monosaccharides, among other building blocks.

During anabolic reactions, energy is typically required, often in the form of ATP, to drive these processes. This distinguishes anabolic pathways from catabolic pathways, which involve the breakdown of molecules and the release of energy. By understanding that anabolism focuses on building and synthesizing larger, more complex molecules, one can appreciate its role in metabolism as a counterbalance to catabolic processes, which serve to decompose and release energy from substrates.