metabolic process
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Noun | 1. | metabolic process - the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life organism, being - a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently cellular respiration, internal respiration, respiration - the metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic molecules; processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs anabolism, constructive metabolism - the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances (e.g., living tissue) from simpler ones together with the storage of energy basal metabolism - the amount of energy required to maintain the body of an individual in a resting state catabolism, destructive metabolism, katabolism, dissimilation - breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy fat metabolism - a metabolic process that breaks down ingested fats into fatty acids and glycerol and then into simpler compounds that can be used by cells of the body glycolysis - a metabolic process that breaks down carbohydrates and sugars through a series of reactions to either pyruvic acid or lactic acid and releases energy for the body in the form of ATP citric acid cycle, Krebs citric acid cycle, Krebs cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle - in all plants and animals: a series of enzymatic reactions in mitochondria involving oxidative metabolism of acetyl compounds to produce high-energy phosphate compounds that are the source of cellular energy biological process, organic process - a process occurring in living organisms |