anabolism Biol.
(əˈnæbəlɪz(ə)m)
[f. as prec. + -ism.]
The ‘ascending’ process in metabolism, in which simpler substances, as nutritive matter, are transformed into more complex ones, and thus built up into the living structure of the organism; constructive metabolism: opp. to catabolism.
| 1886 W. H. Gaskell in Jrnl. Physiol. VII. 46 In other words, metabolism includes the two opposite processes of destruction and construction, or as they may be called of katabolism and anabolism. 1889 Geddes & Thomson Evol. Sex x. 122 These upbuilding, constructive, synthetic processes are summed up in the phrase anabolism. 1897 Willis Flower. Pl. I. 206 Metabolism..may be divided into anabolism, the building up, and katabolism, the breaking down, of complex materials. 1959 Chambers's Encycl. II. 318/1 Growth, and all other processes involving chemical synthesis, are processes in which energy is consumed, and all such are grouped together under the title of anabolism. Ibid. IX. 309/1 Processes which lead to an increase in chemical complexity making up anabolism. Ibid., Only the energy of their food can be put to service for anabolism, muscular movement and so on. |