anabolism

American  

[uh-nab-uh-liz-uhm] / əˈnæb əˌlɪz əm /

noun

Biology, Physiology.

1. constructive metabolism; the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances from simpler ones (catabolism ).

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anabolism British  

/ əˈnæbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a metabolic process in which complex molecules are synthesized from simpler ones with the storage of energy; constructive metabolism Compare catabolism

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anabolism Scientific  

/ ə-năb′ə-lĭz′əm /

1. The phase of metabolism in which complex molecules, such as the proteins and fats that make up body tissue, are formed from simpler ones.

2. Compare catabolism

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anabolism Cultural  

1. The chemical reactions that synthesize molecules in metabolism. (Compare catabolism.)

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Discover More

Athletes often attempt to improve their performance by speeding up this molecule-building process through the use of drugs called anabolic steroids, despite the potential health risks involved. This use is outlawed in many athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games.

Other Word Forms

• anabolic adjective
• hyperanabolism noun

Etymology

Origin of anabolism

First recorded in 1885–90; ana- + (meta)bolism

Compare meaning

How does anabolism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• catabolism vs. anabolism

Example Sentences

A number of intermediate compounds of the citric acid cycle can be diverted into the anabolism of other biochemical molecules, such as nonessential amino acids, sugars, and lipids.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The cell also must generate a number of intermediate compounds that are used in the anabolism and catabolism of macromolecules.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

On the other end of the spectrum, anabolism refers to metabolic processes that build complex molecules out of simpler ones, such as the synthesis of macromolecules.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Figure 24.20 Catabolic and Anabolic Pathways Nutrients follow a complex pathway from ingestion through anabolism and catabolism to energy production.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Similar considerations as to the formation and breaking up of the molecules in anabolism and catabolism apply to polymerization.

From The Mechanism of Life by Leduc, Stéphane