Metabolism

• Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions in a cell or the body
• Metabolism includes:

  • Conversion of glucose to starch, glycogen and cellulose
  • The formation of lipid molecules from a molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids
  • The use of glucose and nitrate ions to form amino acids which in turn are used to synthesise proteins
  • Respiration
  • Breakdown of excess proteins to form urea for excretion.