verb
- broken down by the body’s metabolic processes into simpler substances
Usage: biology; past participle of catabolize
Examples
- The protein was catabolized into amino acids during digestion.
- Muscle tissue is catabolized when the body lacks sufficient nutrients.
- Fat stores are catabolized to provide energy during exercise.
- The medication was quickly catabolized by liver enzymes.
- Glucose is catabolized through cellular respiration to produce ATP.
- During fasting, the body’s glycogen reserves are catabolized first.