Chapter 2 - Section 2.3 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 74: 5

Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves a wide range of chemical reactions that collectively manage energy production, the synthesis and breakdown of molecules, and the regulation of various cellular functions. Metabolism is essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of living organisms. Metabolism can be broadly divided into two main subdivisions: 1. **Catabolism**: - Catabolic processes involve the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often releasing energy in the process. These reactions are typically exergonic (energy-releasing) and provide the energy needed for various cellular activities. - Examples of catabolic processes include the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, the oxidation of fatty acids for energy, and the degradation of proteins into amino acids. - Key features of catabolic processes include the release of energy, the production of smaller molecules, and the generation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is a universal energy currency in cells. 2. **Anabolism**: - Anabolic processes involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring an input of energy. These reactions are typically endergonic (energy-absorbing) and are responsible for building and maintaining cellular structures and molecules. - Examples of anabolic processes include the synthesis of proteins from amino acids, the formation of DNA and RNA from nucleotide building blocks, and the conversion of simple sugars into more complex carbohydrates like starch and glycogen. - Key features of anabolic processes include the consumption of energy (often in the form of ATP), the formation of larger molecules, and the promotion of growth and repair in cells and organisms. In summary, metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions that occur within living organisms, and it can be divided into two main subdivisions: catabolism, which involves the breakdown of complex molecules to release energy, and anabolism, which involves the synthesis of complex molecules that require an input of energy. Together, these processes maintain the balance of energy and the essential molecules necessary for life.

Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves a wide range of chemical reactions that collectively manage energy production, the synthesis and breakdown of molecules, and the regulation of various cellular functions. Metabolism is essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of living organisms. Metabolism can be broadly divided into two main subdivisions: 1. **Catabolism**: - Catabolic processes involve the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often releasing energy in the process. These reactions are typically exergonic (energy-releasing) and provide the energy needed for various cellular activities. - Examples of catabolic processes include the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, the oxidation of fatty acids for energy, and the degradation of proteins into amino acids. - Key features of catabolic processes include the release of energy, the production of smaller molecules, and the generation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is a universal energy currency in cells. 2. **Anabolism**: - Anabolic processes involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring an input of energy. These reactions are typically endergonic (energy-absorbing) and are responsible for building and maintaining cellular structures and molecules. - Examples of anabolic processes include the synthesis of proteins from amino acids, the formation of DNA and RNA from nucleotide building blocks, and the conversion of simple sugars into more complex carbohydrates like starch and glycogen. - Key features of anabolic processes include the consumption of energy (often in the form of ATP), the formation of larger molecules, and the promotion of growth and repair in cells and organisms. In summary, metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions that occur within living organisms, and it can be divided into two main subdivisions: catabolism, which involves the breakdown of complex molecules to release energy, and anabolism, which involves the synthesis of complex molecules that require an input of energy. Together, these processes maintain the balance of energy and the essential molecules necessary for life.