Metabolism for PC

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within living organisms to maintain life. It encompasses a range of biochemical reactions that take place in cells, including the conversion of food into energy, the synthesis of molecules needed for cellular processes, and the breakdown of waste materials.

Metabolism can be broadly divided into two main processes:

Catabolism: This process involves the breakdown of complex molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into simpler substances. The purpose of catabolism is to release energy that can be used by the organism. For example, during the digestion of food, large molecules are broken down into smaller units like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Anabolism: This process involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler substances. It requires energy input and is responsible for building and maintaining the various components of cells, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and membranes. Anabolic processes help in growth, repair, and the production of new cells.