Question

Consider the following statements on microbial metabolism: 
(i) Utilization of carbon for cell synthesis is termed as anabolism. 
(ii) During catabolism, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is converted into adenosine diphosphate (ADP). 
Choose the correct option from the following:

• A. (i) and (ii) are correct.
• B. (i) and (ii) are incorrect.
• C. (i) is correct and (ii) is incorrect.
• D. (i) is incorrect and (ii) is correct.

Hint:

In catabolic reactions, ATP is converted to ADP, but the energy release is more complex and involves the breakdown of molecules such as glucose, not just ATP hydrolysis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding Anabolism.
Anabolism is indeed the process of utilizing carbon (and other elements) to build complex molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, contributing to cell synthesis. So, statement (i) is correct.

Step 2: Understanding Catabolism.
Catabolism refers to the breakdown of larger molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy. However, during catabolic reactions, ATP is typically broken down into ADP, but the energy release process isn't solely associated with the conversion of ATP to ADP. ATP is utilized to drive the cellular processes, while the release of energy during catabolism is often linked to the breakdown of molecules (like glucose) rather than the simple conversion of ATP to ADP.

Since the conversion of ATP to ADP doesn't fully describe the energy release mechanism in catabolism, statement (ii) is incorrect.

Thus, the correct option is (C) (i) is correct and (ii) is incorrect.