Online Dictionary of Invertebrate Zoology: Complete Work - Best Text

168Maggenti and Gardnercastration n. [L. castratus, geld] Any process that inhibits orinterferes with the production of mature ova or spermatozoain the gonads of an organism.cat- see also katcatabolismn. [Gr. kata, down; bolein, to throw] The destructivephase of metabolism, including the processes involvedwith converting complex compounds into simpler ones, especiallythose involved in the release of energy. seeanabolism.catachoma n. pl. -ata [Gr. kata, down; choma, mound](MOLL: Bivalvia) One of many small pits in the peripheral,inner surface of the left valve for reception of an anachoma.catakinesis a. [Gr. kata, down; kinesis, movement] Pertainingto molecules, atoms or protoplasm low in energy content.see anakinesis.catalase n. [Gr. kata, down; allassein, to change] An enzymefound in essentially all living cells except anaerobic bacteriathat catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide towater and oxygen. catalatic a.catalepsy n. [Gr. katalepsis, seizure] A state of immobilizationin which the body and limbs are often plastic with musclerigidity in the limbs retaining any unusual position intowhich they are placed. cataleptic a., n.catalog, catalogue n. [Gr. kata, down; legein, to pick out] Anindex to taxonomic literature arranged by taxa includingthe most important taxonomic and nomenclatural referencesto the taxon involved.catalysis n.; pl. -ses [Gr. kata, down; lyein, to dissolve] Analteration in velocity of a reaction due to the presence of acatalyst.catalyst n. [Gr. kata, down; lyein, to dissolve] A substancethat causes an acceleration of a chemical reaction and remainsitself unchanged in the process, or is reconstituted atthe end of the reaction.cataphract, cataphractus n. [Gr. kata, down; phrassein, toenclose] Armored with a hard callous skin, or with closelyunited scales.