KATABOLISE (verb): to break down or metabolize complex organic molecules into simpler compounds, typically through oxidative processes, by living organisms.
In biochemistry and physiology, the process of katabolism is essential for living organisms as it generates energy by converting complex substances into simpler ones. Katabolism can occur in various cellular pathways, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, and it is also involved in the degradation of nucleic acids.
When an organism katabolizes a substance, it undergoes chemical reactions that release energy and produce waste products. For example, during carbohydrate katabolism, glucose is broken down into simpler molecules such as pyruvate through a series of enzymatic reactions, releasing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is crucial for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, metabolic reactions, and maintaining overall cellular homeostasis.
Katabolism is an integral part of metabolism, the collective set of chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life. It is the opposite of anabolism, which is the process of building complex molecules from simpler ones. Katabolism and anabolism work together to regulate the flow of energy and nutrients in an organism, ensuring its proper functioning and growth.
