n. an aspect of metabolism which relates to the breakdown of larger, more complex molecules into smaller, simpler substances with a resulting release of energy. Specifically, carbohydrates (polysaccharides), fats (lipids), proteins, and nucleic acids are broken down into monosaccharides, fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleotides, respectively.
CATABOLISM: “In catabolism, energy is released or dissipated in the form of work and heat.”