"发生分解代谢" can be translated into English as "undergo catabolism" or "experience catabolic processes".
"Undergo catabolism" directly conveys the idea of a substance or organism going through the breakdown process of catabolism.
"Experience catabolic processes" is a slightly more descriptive phrase, indicating that catabolic activities are taking place.
Both expressions are commonly used in biological and biochemical contexts to describe the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.