Living organisms can incorporate into their metabolism
various substances and compounds, such as nutrients, water, oxygen, and other molecules necessary for their survival and functioning. These substances are taken up by organisms through various processes, such as ingestion, absorption, and respiration.
Organisms can incorporate nutrients into their metabolism by consuming food sources rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are broken down through digestion and absorbed into the bloodstream, where they are transported to different cells and tissues for energy production, growth, and maintenance.
Water is another essential substance incorporated into metabolism by living organisms. It is obtained through drinking or other processes like osmosis, and is utilized in various metabolic reactions, including those involved in digestion, respiration, and waste removal.
Oxygen is vital for aerobic organisms as it is used in cellular respiration, the process through which energy is generated from the breakdown of glucose and other organic molecules. Oxygen is breathed in and then transported to cells, where it combines with glucose to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell.
Apart from these basic substances, living organisms can also incorporate other molecules into their metabolism. For example, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, incorporating it into the synthesis of organic molecules, such as glucose. Various other chemicals and compounds, such as hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters, are also incorporated into metabolism by organisms to regulate and facilitate various physiological processes.
Overall, living organisms have intricate metabolic pathways that allow them to incorporate a wide range of substances and compounds into their metabolism to sustain life and perform essential functions.