An autocatalytic process that is thought to be characteristic of living matter by which certain molecules or atoms are rendered rich in energy and consequently reactive.

An autocatalytic process is a modification (usually acceleration) of a chemical reaction rate by addition of a catalyst (substance that can cause a change in the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed in the reaction) which combines with the reactants but is ultimately regenerated so that its amount remains unchanged and the chemical equilibrium of the conditions of the reaction is not altered.

Molecules or atoms of the same kind but differing in their energy content are called kinetomers; one of high energy content is an anakinetomer or anakinetomeric form, one of low energy content is a catakinetomer or catakinetomeric form and is said to be in a catakinetic state.