Assimilation builds complex molecules from simpler building blocks

Steps:

• Define assimilation: biological process of anabolism where simple nutrients form complex molecules for storage or use.
• Identify anabolism in options: building polymers from monomers qualifies as assimilation.
• Examine C: synthesizing glucose from starch breaks down (hydrolysis) a polymer into monomers, which is catabolism/digestion, not assimilation.
• Confirm others: A, B, D all involve monomer-to-polymer synthesis, fitting assimilation.

Why C is correct:

• Assimilation requires anabolism (building up); C is catabolism (breaking down starch via hydrolysis: (C6H10O5)n + nH2O → nC6H12O6), opposite of assimilation.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Anabolism links glucose monomers into glycogen polymer via dehydration synthesis.
• B: Anabolism esterifies fatty acids and glycerol into triglycerides.
• D: Anabolism forms peptide bonds between amino acids to build proteins.

Final answer: C