Which of the following statements about metabolism are true? Catabolism is the process in which complex substances are broken down, yielding a net output of energy. Metabolism is an integrated system in which many of the same reactions participate in degradative (catabolic) and biosynthetic (anabolic) pathways. The overall process of metabolism involves the breakdown of polymeric biomolecules and complex lipids to monomers and less complex fats, followed by further degradation to inorganic compounds. All organisms derive raw materials and energy from organic molecules, such as glucose.