A chemical substance that interferes with normal metabolism by competing with or blocking essential metabolic processes in cells, often used in cancer treatment or as an antibiotic.
Formed from 'anti-' (against) and 'metabolite' (a substance produced or used in metabolism). The term emerged in biochemistry in the 20th century as understanding of cellular chemistry advanced.
Antimetabolites are one of cancer's biggest enemies—they trick cancer cells by mimicking the nutrients they need, causing them to consume poison instead of food, essentially making the cancer commit cellular suicide.
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