Science glossary film: Catabolism

One of the major processes in metabolism, involving the breakdown of large molecules to smaller ones with the release of energy. These smaller molecules can then be broken down in cells to release more energy. A large complex molecule, such as starch, is catabolised to produce simple sugars known as monosaccharides, which are more easily processed in cells.

These smaller molecules can then be broken down in cells to release more energy. A large complex molecule, such as starch, is catabolised to produce simple sugars known as monosaccharides, which are more easily processed in cells.