Final answer:
Catabolism is the process by which larger, more complex molecules are broken down into smaller, simpler molecules, releasing energy. It is related to nitrogen balance, as amino acids can be catabolized to release ammonia. Examples of when a person would be in a catabolic state include fasting or illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catabolism is the process by which larger, more complex molecules are broken down into smaller, simpler molecules, releasing energy.
It is one of the two main processes involved in metabolism, with the other being anabolism, which is the process of building larger, more complex molecules from smaller ones.
Catabolism is related to nitrogen balance in the sense that amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, can be catabolized to provide energy and release ammonia.
When a person is in a state of increased protein breakdown, such as during fasting or illness, they would be in a catabolic state.