Metabolism

• What is metabolism?

  The sum of all chemical reactions
• How are metabolic reactions controlled?

  By enzymes
• What is the source of energy for metabolic reactions?

  Respiration
• What essential processes does energy from respiration support?

  Growth, repair, and maintaining body temperature
• What are anabolic reactions?

  • Build larger molecules from smaller ones
  • Require energy
  • Examples: Glucose to starch, amino acids to proteins
• What are catabolic reactions?

  • Break larger molecules into smaller ones
  • Release energy
  • Examples: Glucose to energy, proteins to urea
• What is formed when glucose molecules are joined together?

  Starch, glycogen, and cellulose
• Where is starch stored in plants?

  In roots, stems, and leaves
• Where is glycogen stored in animals?

  In liver and muscle cells
• What is the function of cellulose in plants?

  To strengthen cell walls
• What are lipids made from?

  Glucose and fatty acids
• What are the uses of lipids?

  Cell membranes, energy storage, insulation
• What are proteins made from?

  Amino acids
• What is the role of proteins in the body?

  Essential for enzymes, muscle fibers, membranes
• What happens to glucose during respiration?

  It is broken down to release energy
• What is the equation for aerobic respiration?

  Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy
• What is ATP?

  Energy currency of the cell
• What is one use of energy released from respiration?

  Muscule contraction
• What happens to excess amino acids?

  They are broken down into urea
• What is deamination?

  Removal of the amino group from amino acids
• Where is urea excreted?

  In urine via the kidneys
• What happens to starch and glycogen when energy is needed?

  They are broken down into glucose
• What are lipids broken down into for energy release?

  Fatty acids and glycerol
• What controls all metabolic reactions?

  Enzymes
• What is the role of enzymes in metabolism?

  They speed up metabolic reactions
• What would happen without enzymes?

  Metabolism would be too slow to sustain life
• What are the types of metabolic reactions and their purposes?

  • Anabolic: Building larger molecules (e.g., glucose to starch)
  • Catabolic: Breaking down molecules (e.g., glucose to energy)
  • Purpose: Energy storage, growth, waste removal
• Why is metabolism important?

  • Provides energy for life processes
  • Enables growth, repair, and movement
  • Maintains homeostasis
  • Allows energy storage and release
• What can happen if metabolic processes are disrupted?

  Serious health problems may occur