What is the process involving the breakdown of fatty tissues called?

The process involving the breakdown of fatty tissues is referred to as saponification. This chemical reaction typically occurs when fats are treated with a strong alkali, resulting in the formation of soap and glycerol. In biological contexts, the breakdown of fatty tissues can occur during metabolism, particularly when the body needs to convert fat into energy. Understanding saponification is especially important in both biological and chemical processes, as it highlights how fatty acids can be transformed and utilized in various applications, including the production of soap in a laboratory setting.

The other options relate to different chemical processes: calcification pertains to the accumulation of calcium salts in body tissues; dehydration refers to the loss of water; and hydrogenation involves adding hydrogen to unsaturated fats, transforming them into saturated fats. These processes do not specifically address the breakdown of fatty tissues, making saponification the most appropriate term in this context.