Energy metabolism
Energy Metabolism
Energy metabolism (pronunciation: /ˈɛnərdʒi mɪˈtabəlɪzəm/) is the process by which living cells obtain energy and use it to perform various functions including growth, reproduction, and movement.
Etymology
The term "energy metabolism" is derived from the Greek words "energeia" meaning activity or operation, and "metabole" meaning change.
Definition
Energy metabolism involves the chemical reactions that occur in a cell to convert or use energy. These reactions can be divided into two types: anabolic reactions, which build larger molecules from smaller ones, and catabolic reactions, which break down larger molecules into smaller ones.
Process
Energy metabolism begins with the intake of food, which is broken down into its constituent nutrients in the digestive system. These nutrients are then transported to cells where they are further broken down through a process called cellular respiration. This process produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of the cell.
Related Terms
- ATP: The main energy currency of the cell.
- Cellular respiration: The process by which cells break down nutrients to produce ATP.
- Anabolism: The process of building larger molecules from smaller ones.
- Catabolism: The process of breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones.
- Digestive system: The system that breaks down food into its constituent nutrients.
- Chemical reactions: The process that changes one set of chemicals into another.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Energy metabolism
- Wikipedia's article - Energy metabolism
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