What Are the Different Metabolic Processes?
Metabolism typically refers to the biological processes that a living organism uses to provide energy for sustaining life and growth. Most metabolic processes occur through a series of enzyme reactions. These enzyme reactions convert one substance into another for the storage or release of energy. For example, the absorption of oxygen is accomplished by cellular respiration.
Anabolism refers to the breakdown of substances for the storage of energy. Catabolism is the metabolic process that breaks down substances for the release of energy. The metabolic rate of an organism typically is the rate at which the organism performs metabolic processes. Basal metabolism is the amount of energy required to sustain a body in its resting state.
Metabolic processes include cellular respiration where the body processes glucose with oxygen molecules to form carbon dioxide molecules. The resulting energy released by this process is absorbed and used by the body. Carbon dioxide molecules then are released by the lungs through exhalation.
Anabolic metabolism, also known as constructive metabolism, is the biological process that the body uses to form complex tissues from simpler ones to store energy. An example of this is how the body stores fat and builds muscle tissue. Simple substances such as glucose are used to build muscle tissue. If an excess of glucose is present, the body then stores this energy in fat cells for later use. This process can lead to an excess of fat storage and may result in obesity.
Catabolic metabolism involves the breakdown of the substances in the body for use as energy. When the body requires energy, this metabolic process usually breaks down the complex substances stored in cells and releases the energy. Catabolic metabolism also may be referred to as destructive metabolism.
Metabolic processes not only are important for the release and storage of energy, but the repair of cells is affected by metabolic rate, as well. The rate of recovery and ability of a body to repair itself generally is related to the rate and efficiency of its metabolic process. A healthy organism may be able to repair itself quicker than an unhealthy one due to the availability of energy to fuel the healing process.
Written by Kathryn Pless
