Metabolism
Definition
Metabolism encompasses all biochemical reactions within a living organism that allow it to maintain life, including processes for converting food into energy and building or repairing the body. It is a series of interconnected pathways that manage the chemical tasks of creating energy, synthesizing necessary molecules, and breaking down substances.
Related terms
Enzymes: Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions within metabolic pathways without being consumed in the process.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy carrier molecule in cells, which transfers chemical energy from metabolism to other cellular processes.
Catabolism: The set of metabolic pathways that breaks down molecules into smaller units, releasing energy stored in chemical bonds
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.