More specifically, the part of metabolism that breaks down food is called catabolism.
Here's a breakdown:
* Metabolism: The sum of all chemical processes that occur within a living organism.
* Catabolism: The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules, releasing energy.
* Anabolism: The building up of complex molecules from simpler molecules, requiring energy.
So, while metabolism is the broad term, catabolism is the specific process you're asking about.
