Metabolism
Definition
Metabolism
is the series of
specific biochemical reactions mediated by specific enzymes, co enzymes and
catalysts occurring within the cell on the molecules derived after digestion
from the time of their incorporation into the cell till its excretion resulting
in production of energy or new molecules.
Production of energy in
the form of ATPs is required for various body processes like maintenance of
temperature, muscular movements, generation of electrical potentials, secretion
and excretion processes and transmembrane transport of various materials. The
synthesis of various specialized molecules includes secretion of various
hormones and enzymes, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates as also protoplasm and
various body fluids.
Metabolism is
derived from Greek word metabolē
which means change. It is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions happening in the cell. The three main purposes of
metabolism are:
·
the conversion of
food to energy to run cellular processes
·
the conversion of
food in to its various components like proteins, lipids, nucleic acids,
and carbohydrates
·
the elimination
of metabolic wastes
The sum of all
chemical reactions that occur in living organisms, including digestion and the
transport of substances into and between different cells, synthesis and lysis
is called metabolism. Set of reactions within the cells is called intermediary
metabolism or intermediate metabolism
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