catabolism

[ kuh-tab-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

, Biology, Physiology.

1. destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy ( anabolism ).

catabolism

/ ˌkætəˈbɒlɪk; kəˈtæbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism Compare anabolism

catabolism

/ kə-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm /

1. 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.
2. Compare anabolism

catabolism

1. 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 .)

Derived Forms

• catabolic, adjective
• ˌcataˈbolically, adverb

Other Words From

• cat·a·bol·ic [kat-, uh, -, bol, -ik], adjective
• hy·per·ca·tab·o·lism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catabolism¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek katabol(ḗ) “a throwing down,” equivalent to kata- prefix meaning “down, against, back” ( cata- ) + bolḗ “a throw”; compare katabállein “to throw down”) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of catabolism¹

C19 katabolism, from Greek katabolē a throwing down, from kataballein, from kata- down + ballein to throw

Example Sentences

During muscle catabolism, proteins stored in muscle tissue are broken down into smaller molecules called amino acids and energy is released.

From Salon

Other aroma compounds are the result of catabolism, the breaking-down of a large molecule into a smaller one.

From Washington Post

Variable functions that are restricted to a species or strain — including pathogenicity islands, vitamin and drug catabolism, motility and nutrient transporters — are possible targets for personalized diets and therapeutic strategies.

From Nature

In many cases, the accumulation of fuel and fuel precursors in an oxygenated environment will promote the proliferation of contaminating organisms, making crop protection strategies paramount to prevent catabolism of the secreted products.

From Nature

In certain abnormal cases the concentration may be produced in the cell itself by the formation of two centres of catabolism or molecular disintegration, since, as we have seen, molecular disintegration raises the osmotic pressure.

From Project Gutenberg