Bond breaking is always endothermic and yet catabolism, the breakdown of nutrients, is an overall exothermic process.How can you reconcile these two statements?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Catabolism involves both breaking bonds in larger molecules and forming new bonds in smaller molecules. While breaking bonds requires energy (endothermic), forming bonds releases energy (exothermic). The overall process of catabolism releases more energy than it consumes, making it exothermic. This is because the energy released from forming new bonds is greater than the energy required to break the initial bonds.

Bond Breaking Is Always Endothermic and Yet Catabolism, the Breakdown