catabolite

1 8.9

A substance made when the body breaks down large molecules

noun
/kəˈtæbəˌlaɪt/

Specialized

: catabolito

Doctors can measure certain catabolites in the blood to assess metabolic health.

Examples

During exercise, lactic acid is a common catabolite produced by muscle cells.
The breakdown of proteins in the liver generates several important catabolites.
The catabolite is essential for energy production.
Can you identify the catabolites formed after exercise?
During exercise, lactic acid is a common catabolite produced by muscle cells.
Doctors can measure specific catabolites in blood tests to evaluate your metabolic health.
In the process of digestion, various catabolites are formed when complex carbohydrates are broken down.

Synonyms

metabolite

vscatabolite

Specialized

8 7.3

A substance made inside a living body that helps cells use energy

refers specifically to substances made by breaking down complex molecules

Surface Forms

catabolite singular

catabolites plural

Morphology

catabolite = catabol (opaque) = catabol + ite

The immediate base 'catabol' is not a standalone English word and the meaning of '-ite' as 'a product of' is not transparent to most learners.

Etymology

The word catabolite comes from Greek parts, especially cata- meaning 'down', and it is related to catabolism meaning 'breaking down' in metabolism. So a catabolite is a small substance made when larger molecules are broken down.