• Directory
  • Search
  • All results
  • Journals
  • Definitions
Images:
  • biosynthesis of purine nucleotides
  • catabolism and biosynthesis of glucose and glycogen
  • family relationships in amino acid biosyntheses
Biologic Function
anabolism
a·nab·o·lism
Etymology:
Greek anabole = a building up; from ana = up + ballein = to build or throw
In Greek anabole meant a mound of earth.
Definitions related to anabolism:
  • (biosynthesis) General term for synthesis of chemical compounds by living organisms.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • (biosynthetic process) Formation of a chemical compound by enzymes, either in the organism (in vivo) or by fragments or extracts of cells (in vitro).
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (biosynthetic process) The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of substances; typically the energy-requiring part of metabolism in which simpler substances are transformed into more complex ones.
    Gene Ontology Dictionary
    Gene Ontology Consortium, 2021
  • Anabolism, the sequences of enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which relatively complex molecules are formed in living cells from nutrients with relatively simple structures. Anabolic processes, which include the synthesis of such cell components as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, require energy in...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary > A
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

  • About
  • Feedback
  • Guides
  • Terms
© 2026 OpenMD
The content on this site is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your doctor or health care provider.