Metabolism

Definition

Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy, building blocks for growth, and waste products. These processes are divided into two main categories: anabolism (building up) and catabolism (breaking down).

Related terms

Anabolism:

The part of metabolism involved with building larger molecules from smaller ones, essential for growth and repair.

Catabolism:

The metabolic process that breaks down molecules into smaller units, releasing energy used by the body.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate):

The primary energy carrier in all living organisms on which cellular processes depend