AMETABOLISM Meaning and
Definition
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Ametabolism is a biological term referring to the absence of metabolic processes or the lack of a distinct metabolic phase in an organism's life cycle. Derived from the Greek words "a," meaning without, and "metabolism," meaning the chemical processes that occur within a living organism, it describes a state in which an organism remains in a relatively constant condition without undergoing any significant metabolic changes.
Ametabolism is primarily observed in certain lower organisms, such as bacteria or unicellular organisms like archaea and protists. Unlike higher organisms, which undergo clear metabolic processes like respiration, digestion, and growth, organisms with ametabolism lack distinct phases in their life cycle. They generally do not undergo any major changes in their structure, function, or size, as their metabolism remains relatively constant.
Ametabolic organisms typically survive by extracting energy directly from their environment or by utilizing simple diffusion across their body surface. They often have simplified cellular structures, lacking specialized organs or complex tissues. These organisms adapt to their environment by maintaining internal homeostasis, a stable internal environment, without the need for metabolic reactions that facilitate growth or development.
In summary, ametabolism refers to a state in which an organism lacks distinct metabolic processes or a clear metabolic phase, allowing it to remain relatively unchanged throughout its life cycle. It characterizes lower organisms that perform basic functions necessary for survival, without undergoing significant structural or functional changes.
Common Misspellings for AMETABOLISM
- zmetabolism
- smetabolism
- wmetabolism
- qmetabolism
- anetabolism
- aketabolism
- ajetabolism
- amwtabolism
- amstabolism
- amdtabolism
- amrtabolism
- am4tabolism
- am3tabolism
- amerabolism
- amefabolism
- amegabolism
- ameyabolism
- ame6abolism
- ame5abolism
- ametzbolism
Etymology of AMETABOLISM
The word ametabolism is derived from the Greek words a meaning not or without, and metabolism meaning change or transformation.
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