Metabolizmin

Metabolizmin is a term used to describe metabolism, the total set of chemical reactions that power living systems. It encompasses the conversion of nutrients into energy, the synthesis of macromolecules, and the elimination of waste products. Metabolism is commonly divided into catabolism, which breaks down complex molecules to release energy, and anabolism, which uses energy to assemble cellular components.

Central to metabolism are energy carriers such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and electron carriers like NADH and FADH2. Key pathways include glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation for energy production; alongside lipid, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, and processes such as gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and fatty acid synthesis.

Metabolic regulation is achieved through enzymes, allosteric control, and hormonal signals (for example insulin, glucagon, and adrenaline). The balance among these processes responds to feeding state, oxygen availability, and cellular demand, enabling energy homeostasis and biosynthesis.

Physiological roles of metabolism include sustaining basal cellular functions, supporting growth and repair, and providing heat in some species. Metabolic rate—often estimated by basal or resting energy expenditure—varies with age, sex, body composition, and activity level.

Disruptions of metabolism can lead to disorders such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemias, and inherited metabolic diseases. Metabolic pathways are highly conserved across life and show adaptations to different ecological niches and nutrient sources.

In biology and medicine, metabolism remains a central focus of study, with methods to measure metabolic flux and strategies to modulate metabolism in disease and health contexts.

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