Metabolism

• Metabolism


  The sum of all the chemical reactions in a cell or the body
• Respiration

  1. Releases energy from glucose

  2. Energy released is used by enzymes to synthesize new molecules in the cell
• Glucose


  A really important chemical in metabolism
• Conversion of glucose in plant cells

  1. Converted into cellulose which strengthens the plant cell wall

  2. Converted into starch which is a storage form of glucose

  3. Reacted with nitrate ions to make amino acids which are then used to synthesize proteins
• Conversion of glucose in humans and other animals

  Converted to the molecule glycogen which is a storage form of glucose
• Lipid synthesis

  1. One molecule of glycerol is reacted with 3 molecules of fatty acids to form a lipid molecule

  2. Lipids are found in the cell membrane
• Protein breakdown

  1. Excess proteins are broken down into the chemical urea

  2. Urea is then excreted by the kidneys