katabolism

Katabolism, the formation of less complex chemical bodies by the agency of protoplasm, 86.

The former is constructive metabolism, or anabolism; the latter, destructive metabolism, or katabolism.

Alcohol, usually formed as an excretion of the yeast plant, is also found as a mid-product of tissue katabolism.

But the biological atoms are living, that is to say, they are continually undergoing anabolism and katabolism, growth and decay.

Wherever destructive metabolism (katabolism) is going on, heat is being set free.