Which of the following statements about catabolic pathways is true?

Catabolic pathways are biochemical processes that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. The true statement regarding catabolic pathways is that they release energy as ATP and NADPH.

When organic molecules such as glucose are catabolized, the energy that is stored in their chemical bonds is released. This released energy is captured in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which cells use for various energy-requiring processes. Additionally, some catabolic reactions also produce reduced cofactors like NADPH, which play critical roles in various metabolic pathways, although NADPH is more commonly associated with anabolic (biosynthetic) pathways.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately describe catabolic pathways. Catabolic processes do not primarily function to store energy; rather, they are designed to release energy for the cell's use. They are not exclusively aerobic, as many catabolic pathways, such as fermentation, can occur in anaerobic conditions. Lastly, catabolic pathways mainly break down molecules instead of building them; that is the role of anabolic pathways, which synthesize complex molecules from simpler ones.