A catabolic hormone is best described as one that:

A catabolic hormone is best described as one that:

• A. Breaks down energy stores and degrades proteins
• B. Builds tissue
• C. Increases immune function
• D. Regulates circadian rhythm

Answer: (B)

Catabolic hormones drive breakdown to supply energy and substrates. They promote processes like glycogenolysis, lipolysis, and proteolysis, meaning they break down stored energy and reduce body proteins to release amino acids for energy and glucose production. That verbal description—breaking down energy stores and degrading proteins—directly captures the primary action of catabolic hormones, making it the best fit. In contrast, hormones that build tissue (anabolic) promote synthesis and growth, which is the opposite action. Hormones that mainly influence immune function or govern circadian timing aren’t defining features of catabolic hormones, even though they can interact with those systems in various ways.

Catabolic hormones drive breakdown to supply energy and substrates. They promote processes like glycogenolysis, lipolysis, and proteolysis, meaning they break down stored energy and reduce body proteins to release amino acids for energy and glucose production. That verbal description—breaking down energy stores and degrading proteins—directly captures the primary action of catabolic hormones, making it the best fit.

In contrast, hormones that build tissue (anabolic) promote synthesis and growth, which is the opposite action. Hormones that mainly influence immune function or govern circadian timing aren’t defining features of catabolic hormones, even though they can interact with those systems in various ways.