Metabolic Processes
Definition:
Metabolic processes are the chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life. These processes enable organisms to grow, reproduce, repair damage, and respond to their environment.
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Types of Metabolic Processes:
1. Anabolism (Building Up)
- Definition: The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy (endothermic).
- Examples:
- Protein synthesis from amino acids.
- DNA replication.
- Photosynthesis (in plants).
- Purpose: Supports growth, repair, and storage of energy.
2. Catabolism (Breaking Down)
- Definition: The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy (exothermic).
- Examples:
- Cellular respiration (glucose breakdown to produce ATP).
- Digestion of food into nutrients.
- Fat breakdown into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Purpose: Provides energy for bodily functions and building blocks for anabolism.
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Key Components of Metabolism:
1. Enzymes:
- Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up metabolic reactions.
- Highly specific to their substrate (e.g., amylase breaks down starch).
2. Energy Molecule (ATP):
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy currency of cells.
- Energy is released when ATP is broken into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and a phosphate group.
3. Metabolic Pathways:
- Linear Pathways: Sequence of reactions leading to a final product (e.g., glycolysis).
- Cyclic Pathways: Reactions regenerate starting materials (e.g., Krebs cycle).
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Examples of Metabolic Processes:
1. Photosynthesis (Anabolic):
- Occurs in plants.
- Converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.
- Equation:
6CO2 + 6H2O + => C6H12O6 + 6O2
2. Cellular Respiration (Catabolic):
- Occurs in all living organisms.
- Breaks down glucose into water, carbon dioxide, and ATP.
- Equation:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 => 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
3. Protein Synthesis (Anabolic):
- Ribosomes use mRNA to assemble amino acids into proteins.
4. Lipid Breakdown (Catabolic):
- Lipids are broken into fatty acids and glycerol, which can be used for energy production.
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Regulation of Metabolic Processes:
1. Hormones:
- Insulin: Promotes glucose storage and uptake.
- Glucagon: Stimulates glucose release into the blood.
- Thyroxine: Regulates the overall metabolic rate.
2. Feedback Mechanisms:
- Negative Feedback: Maintains balance (e.g., ATP production halts when energy is sufficient).
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Importance of Metabolic Processes:
- Provides energy for cellular activities.
- Supplies raw materials for growth and repair.
- Regulates body temperature and homeostasis.
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Definition:
Metabolic processes are the chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life. These processes enable organisms to grow, reproduce, repair damage, and respond to their environment.
---
Types of Metabolic Processes:
1. Anabolism (Building Up)
- Definition: The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy (endothermic).
- Examples:
- Protein synthesis from amino acids.
- DNA replication.
- Photosynthesis (in plants).
- Purpose: Supports growth, repair, and storage of energy.
2. Catabolism (Breaking Down)
- Definition: The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy (exothermic).
- Examples:
- Cellular respiration (glucose breakdown to produce ATP).
- Digestion of food into nutrients.
- Fat breakdown into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Purpose: Provides energy for bodily functions and building blocks for anabolism.
---
Key Components of Metabolism:
1. Enzymes:
- Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up metabolic reactions.
- Highly specific to their substrate (e.g., amylase breaks down starch).
2. Energy Molecule (ATP):
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy currency of cells.
- Energy is released when ATP is broken into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and a phosphate group.
3. Metabolic Pathways:
- Linear Pathways: Sequence of reactions leading to a final product (e.g., glycolysis).
- Cyclic Pathways: Reactions regenerate starting materials (e.g., Krebs cycle).
---
Examples of Metabolic Processes:
1. Photosynthesis (Anabolic):
- Occurs in plants.
- Converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.
- Equation:
6CO2 + 6H2O + => C6H12O6 + 6O2
2. Cellular Respiration (Catabolic):
- Occurs in all living organisms.
- Breaks down glucose into water, carbon dioxide, and ATP.
- Equation:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 => 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
3. Protein Synthesis (Anabolic):
- Ribosomes use mRNA to assemble amino acids into proteins.
4. Lipid Breakdown (Catabolic):
- Lipids are broken into fatty acids and glycerol, which can be used for energy production.
---
Regulation of Metabolic Processes:
1. Hormones:
- Insulin: Promotes glucose storage and uptake.
- Glucagon: Stimulates glucose release into the blood.
- Thyroxine: Regulates the overall metabolic rate.
2. Feedback Mechanisms:
- Negative Feedback: Maintains balance (e.g., ATP production halts when energy is sufficient).
---
Importance of Metabolic Processes:
- Provides energy for cellular activities.
- Supplies raw materials for growth and repair.
- Regulates body temperature and homeostasis.
Join our Educational Channels:
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📚JOIN: @AmboIfaBoru
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