Metabolism

Definition

Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. It involves pathways for both breaking down molecules to obtain energy (catabolism) and building up molecules necessary for cellular function (anabolism).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Catabolism breaks down carbohydrates into simpler molecules like glucose, releasing energy.
2. Anabolism uses energy to synthesize complex molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids.
3. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up metabolic reactions without being consumed.
4. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in metabolic processes.
5. Glycolysis is a key catabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, yielding ATP and NADH.

Review Questions

• What role do enzymes play in metabolism?
• How does catabolism differ from anabolism?
• What are the end products of glycolysis?

Related terms

Enzyme: A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.

ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy currency of cells.

Glycolysis: The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.