Both the manufacturing process of glucose and its degradation are examples of metabolic pathways. A metabolic pathway is a series of connected chemical reactions that feed each other. The pathway takes one or more starter molecules and turns them into products through a series of intermediate molecules.
Metabolic pathways can be broadly divided into two categories based on their effects. Photosynthesis, which makes sugars from smaller molecules, is a “building block” or anabolic pathway. In contrast, cellular respiration breaks down sugar into smaller molecules and is a “breakdown” or catabolic pathway.
Anabolic Pathway: Small molecules assemble to build larger molecules. This process usually requires energy. Catabolic pathway: large molecules break down into smaller molecules. This process usually releases energy.
Anabolic Pathway: Small molecules assemble to build larger molecules. This process usually requires energy.
Catabolic pathway: large molecules break down into smaller molecules. This process usually releases energy.
Anabolic pathways build complex molecules from simple molecules and usually require energy input. The manufacture of glucose from carbon dioxide is one example. Other examples include the synthesis of proteins from amino acids or the production of DNA strands from nucleotides, which are the building blocks of nucleic acids. These biosynthetic processes are crucial for the life of cells; they are carried out continuously and use the energy contained in ATP and other molecules that store short-term energy.
Catabolic pathways involve the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules and usually release energy. The energy stored in the bonds of complex molecules, such as glucose and lipids, is released in the catabolic pathways. It is then extracted in ways that drive the work of the cell, for example, through ATP synthesis.
Indeed you came to this article because you are in some process that involves weight loss. If so, make yourself comfortable. Next, we will show you everything you need to know about the functions of metabolism.
In this article, you will learn about the functions of metabolism, the types of metabolism that exist, and why it slows down. Do not wait more!
What is metabolism?
Before diving into the functions of metabolism, you must know what this process is.
The first thing you should know is that your body is made up of millions of cells. Inside each one, a set of chemical reactions occurs. These reactions are responsible for transforming the food you eat into fuel. This is essential for all vital activities, such as moving, breathing, sleeping … absolutely everything you can imagine!
The energy we produce through metabolism is called ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), and whether it is produced at a higher or lower speed depends on the thyroxine hormone, produced and secreted by the thyroid. Another essential hormone in metabolism is insulin, secreted by the pancreas and responsible for giving order to the cells to increase anabolic activities.
The energy that is not released to the body will not be lost. This will be used for the growth and repair of the body or the active transport of substances through cell membranes.
The organs involved in human metabolism are the liver, kidneys, digestive system, pancreas, adrenal glands, and hypothalamus.
In the metabolic network of the cell, some chemical reactions release energy and can happen spontaneously (without energy input). However, others require energy to be added to be carried out. In the same way that you need to feed yourself to replenish what your body uses continually, cells also need a continuous input of energy to drive their energy-requiring chemical reactions. The food you eat is the source of energy your cells use!
To make the idea of metabolism a little more concrete, let’s examine two fundamental metabolic processes to life on Earth: those that build sugars and those that break them down.
What are the functions of metabolism?
All the foods you eat, whether proteins, fats or carbohydrates, are broken down by small molecules called enzymes. This results in amino acids, sugars and fatty acids that, when absorbed, travel through your blood to the cells. There they manage to be metabolized and release energy or store it for when it is needed.
The most important thing is that the functions of metabolism will always be to provide you with the energy necessary to carry out your vital activities.
