New York Nail Technician License Practice Test

What is the process of building up water, food, and oxygen for cell growth and repair?

1. Catabolism

2. Homeostasis

3. Anabolism

4. Metabolism

The correct answer is: Anabolism

The correct answer is the process of anabolism, which refers to the set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units. During anabolism, cells utilize energy to build complex molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which are essential for cell growth, repair, and maintenance. This process is vital for the body's ability to grow, develop, and heal, as it synthesizes the cellular components needed for these functions. Catabolism, in contrast, is the metabolic pathway that breaks down molecules into smaller units to release energy. While metabolism encompasses both anabolic and catabolic processes, the specific focus on building up necessary substances for cell growth and repair more accurately describes anabolism. Homeostasis refers to the regulation of stable internal conditions in the body, ensuring a balanced state, which is important but not directly linked to building substances for cell repair and growth. Therefore, anabolism is the most appropriate term for the described process.