organism, being - a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently

cellular respiration, internal respiration, respiration - the metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic moelcules; processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs

anabolism, constructive metabolism - synthesis of more complex substances from simpler ones

basal metabolic rate, BMR - the rate at which heat is produced by an individual in a resting state

basal metabolism - the amount of energy required to maintain the body of an individual in a resting state

catabolism, destructive metabolism, katabolism, dissimilation - breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy

fat metabolism - a metabolic process that breaks down ingested fats into fatty acids and glycerol and then into simpler compounds that can be used by cells of the body

glycolysis - a metabolic process that breaks down carbohydrates and sugars through a series of reactions to either pyruvic acid or lactic acid and release energy for the body in the form of ATP

citric acid cycle, Krebs citric acid cycle, Krebs cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle - in all plants and animals: a series of enzymatic reactions in mitochondria involving oxidative metabolism of acetyl compounds to produce high-energy phosphate compounds that are the source of cellular energy

biological process, organic process - a process occurring in living organisms