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Metabolism
Define metabolism. Differentiate between catabolism and anabolism.
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2 Replies
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Metabolism:
Metabolism is like the body’s engine. It’s all the stuff our body does to stay alive and have energy.
Catabolism:
Catabolism is when the body breaks down big things into smaller ones, like turning food into energy. It’s like breaking down a sandwich into bite-sized pieces.
Anabolism:
Anabolism is when the body builds or puts things together. It’s like using those bite-sized pieces to build something new, like building blocks turning into a tower.
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Metabolism refers to the set of biochemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves the conversion of nutrients into energy and the synthesis of molecules needed for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Metabolism can be broadly categorized into two main types: catabolism and anabolism.
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Catabolism:
- Definition: Catabolism involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of catabolism is to extract energy stored in molecules, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Example: The breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration is a catabolic process that releases energy.
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Anabolism:
- Definition: Anabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that build complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input.
- Purpose: The main purpose of anabolism is to synthesize molecules essential for the growth and maintenance of cells and tissues.
- Example: Protein synthesis, where amino acids are joined together to form proteins, is an anabolic process that consumes energy.
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