catabolism
Type: process Systems Analogy
Dismantling a complex machine to salvage individual parts and raw energy.
The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing chemical energy (ATP).
Mentioned In
Scientific Sources & Verbatim Definitions
- Book / MonographNelson DL, Cox MM. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 8th ed. 2021. ↗
"Catabolism is the degradative phase of metabolism in which organic nutrient molecules are converted into simpler end products."