Metabolism
Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life.
These reactions are crucial for various biological processes, including energy production,
growth, repair, and maintenance of cellular structures.
Categories of Metabolism:
Metabolism divided into two main categories:
1. Anabolism:
Anabolism or constructive metabolism, is all about building and storing. It supports the growth
of new cells, the maintenance of body tissues, and the storage of energy for future use. In
anabolism, small molecules change into larger, more complex molecules of carbohydrates,
protein, and fat. Examples of anabolic processes include the synthesis of proteins from amino
acids and the formation of DNA from nucleotides.
2. Catabolism:
Catabolism or destructive metabolism, is the process that produces the energy needed for all
activity in the cells. Cells break down large molecules to release energy. This provides fuel for
anabolism, heats the body, and enables the muscles to contract and the body to move. As
complex chemical units break down into more simple substances, the body releases the waste
products through the skin, kidneys, lungs, and intestines.
Examples of catabolic processes include the breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration to
produce energy and the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life.
These reactions are crucial for various biological processes, including energy production,
growth, repair, and maintenance of cellular structures.
Categories of Metabolism:
Metabolism divided into two main categories:
1. Anabolism:
Anabolism or constructive metabolism, is all about building and storing. It supports the growth
of new cells, the maintenance of body tissues, and the storage of energy for future use. In
anabolism, small molecules change into larger, more complex molecules of carbohydrates,
protein, and fat. Examples of anabolic processes include the synthesis of proteins from amino
acids and the formation of DNA from nucleotides.
2. Catabolism:
Catabolism or destructive metabolism, is the process that produces the energy needed for all
activity in the cells. Cells break down large molecules to release energy. This provides fuel for
anabolism, heats the body, and enables the muscles to contract and the body to move. As
complex chemical units break down into more simple substances, the body releases the waste
products through the skin, kidneys, lungs, and intestines.
Examples of catabolic processes include the breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration to
produce energy and the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
