Metabolism

Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining chemical transformations within the cells of living organisms. These metabolic processes allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments.

Key Concepts

• Anabolism: The set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units, requiring energy.
• Catabolism: The set of metabolic pathways that break down molecules into smaller units, releasing energy.
• Energy Metabolism: The processes by which the body obtains, stores, and uses energy from the food we consume.
• Metabolic Rate: The rate at which the body expends energy or the rate at which an organism uses energy.

Study Guide

1. Define metabolism and its importance in living organisms.
2. Explain the difference between anabolism and catabolism.
3. Describe the process of energy metabolism in the human body.
4. Discuss the factors that can affect an individual's metabolic rate.
5. Provide examples of how metabolism is involved in the growth, development, and maintenance of organisms.