Which type of reaction releases energy and is often associated with catabolic processes?

• A. Endergonic Reactions
• B. Exergonic Reactions
• C. Metabolic Reactions
• D. Anabolic Reactions

Answer: (B)

Exergonic reactions are about energy release. In these reactions, the energy of the products is lower than that of the reactants, so the change in free energy (ΔG) is negative. That means the reaction can proceed on its own under cellular conditions and liberates free energy that the cell can harvest.

This fits catabolic processes, which break large molecules into smaller ones. As bonds are broken, energy stored in those bonds is released and often captured to drive other cellular work, like making ATP. In contrast, endergonic reactions require an input of energy to proceed, and anabolic processes build up larger molecules from smaller ones. A broad term like metabolic reactions covers both kinds, not specifically energy release.