Catabolic
destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy (opposed to anabolism).
noun
a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism Compare anabolism
adj.
1876; see catabolism + -ic.
n.
1876, katabolism, “destructive metabolism,” from Greek katabole “a throwing down” (also “a foundation”), from kataballein “to throw down,” from kata- “down” (see cata-) + ballein “to throw” (see ballistics). Barnhart says probably formed in English on the model of metabolism. Spelling Latinized from 1889.
catabolism ca·tab·o·lism (kə-tāb’ə-lĭz’əm)
n.
The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy.
cat’a·bol’ic (kāt’ə-bŏl’ĭk) adj.
catabolism
(kə-tāb’ə-lĭz’əm)
The phase of metabolism in which energy, in the form of ATP, is produced by the breakdown of complex molecules, such as starches, proteins and fats, into simpler ones. Compare anabolism.
catabolic adjective
Biochemical reactions that break down molecules in metabolism. Molecules may be broken down to gain their energy or to prepare them for disposal from the body. (Compare anabolism.)
Read Also:
- Catabolise
to cause (a nutrient or other substance) to undergo catabolism. to be subjected to catabolism.
- Catabolism
destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy (opposed to anabolism). Contemporary Examples In this way, anabolism and catabolism exist in balance with each other and are the ying and the yang of metabolism. 5 Metabolism Myths Debunked Sarah Whitman-Salkin August 24, 2009 […]
- Catabolite
a product of catabolic action. noun a substance produced as a result of catabolism catabolite ca·tab·o·lite (kə-tāb’ə-līt’) n. A substance produced by the process of catabolism.
- Catabolite gene activator protein
catabolite gene activator protein catabolite gene activator protein n. Abbr. CAP A protein that can be activated by cyclic AMP, whereupon it affects the action of RNA polymerase by binding the polymerase with or near itself on the DNA to be transcribed. Also called catabolite gene activator.
- Catabolize
to cause (a nutrient or other substance) to undergo catabolism. to be subjected to catabolism.