Δ E_reserves<0
Stored compounds or structural biomass are mobilized.
Operational definition
Metabolic state.
A state in which current assimilated input is insufficient for current expenditure and the system obtains net resources by breaking down stored or functional material.
Operationally:
or, after reserves are depleted, structural biomass declines.
Catabolism occurs continuously in normal metabolism, but this category refers to a net organismal or pool-level deficit.