| catabolic | <biochemistry> Of or pertaining to catabolism; as, catabolic processes, which give rise to substances (catastates) of decreasing complexity and increasing stability. (16 Mar 1998) |
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| catabolic pathway | <biochemistry> A series of reactions in a metabolic pathway that break down complex compounds into simpler ones, usually releasing energy in the process. Compare: anabolic pathway. (16 Mar 1998) |