catabolism
/kəˈtabəlɪz(ə)m
/noun [mass noun] Biology
The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.The various reactions which involve the synthesis of complex molecules can be grouped under the heading of anabolism, whereas the breakdown of complex molecules is known as catabolism....
- During normal catabolism, protease enzymes break down carboxylase enzymes and reclaim the associated amino acids and biocytin for recycling.
- Muscle catabolism is a hallmark of sepsis and results from accelerated breakdown of myofibrillar proteins, such as actin and myosin.
Derivatives
catabolic
/ adjective ...- There are thus a number of different requirements for mitochondrial metabolism, ranging from biosynthesis to catabolic processes that may or may not result in ATP synthesis.
- During catabolic stress intracellular glutamine levels can drop more than 50 percent, and it is under these circumstances that supplemental glutamine becomes necessary.
- Alanine and glutamine account for about 80% of the amino acids released from skeletal muscle during catabolic periods such as intense training or injury.
catabolize
/ verb ...- Over time, your body begins to catabolize muscle tissue, converting it to glucose for energy.
- As a result, a bird with large glycogen stores may catabolize less protein to maintain blood glucose levels during migration than a bird with small glycogen reserves.
- However, birds may preferentially catabolize assimilation organs to avoid catabolizing flight muscles that could impair flying ability.
Origin
Late 19th century: from Greek katabolē 'throwing down', from kata- 'down' + ballein 'to throw'.