Metabolitevahetus

Metabolitevahetus, also known as metabolism, refers to the sum of all chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. These processes are essential for growth, reproduction, and responding to environmental stimuli. Metabolism can be broadly divided into two categories: catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. This energy is then captured and utilized by the organism to fuel various cellular activities. For instance, the digestion of food into smaller molecules like glucose and amino acids is a catabolic process.

Anabolism, on the other hand, involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy. This energy is typically derived from the catabolic reactions. Examples of anabolic processes include the synthesis of proteins from amino acids or the creation of new cells for growth and repair.

These two processes are intricately linked. The energy released during catabolism is used to power anabolism, and the molecules produced during anabolism can then be broken down during catabolism. This continuous cycle of breakdown and synthesis is fundamental to life. Disruptions in metabolitevahetus can lead to various metabolic disorders.