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