Can someone please give me a SIMPLE definition of metabolism. I've seached tons of dictionaries, but they all give a long and confusing definition and I'm not sure if I understand the concept.. Please help!!
This looks pretty simple.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/metabolism.html
Easy! Metabolism is the rate of how fast your food digests
Not exactly Brad. Metabolism is the rate of energy conversion in the cells from sugar to work energy.
Thank you So much! This was a HUGE help!!!
You're welcome.
Of course! I'm here to help you.
Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. It involves a series of complex reactions that convert substances (such as food) into energy for the body's use. Metabolism also includes the breakdown of molecules and the synthesis of new ones to support various functions in the body.
To better understand metabolism, it might be helpful to consider the following steps:
1. All living organisms require energy to survive and carry out their normal functions.
2. Metabolism involves acquiring nutrients from food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and breaking them down into smaller molecules.
3. These smaller molecules are then used to produce energy, store energy, and build or repair body tissues.
4. The energy produced through metabolism is essential for vital processes like breathing, circulation, digestion, and maintaining body temperature.
Overall, metabolism is the collective set of chemical reactions that enable an organism to grow, reproduce, respond to its environment, and maintain its basic functions.
If you have any further questions or would like a more detailed explanation, feel free to ask!