metabolities

Metabolites are intermediate or end products of metabolism. Metabolism refers to the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. These reactions are necessary for maintaining life, allowing organisms to grow, reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments. Metabolites can be small molecules like amino acids, glucose, and lipids, or larger molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. They play crucial roles in cellular processes, acting as building blocks for essential macromolecules, providing energy, or serving as signaling molecules.

The study of metabolites and their roles is called metabolomics. Metabolomics aims to identify and quantify all the metabolites present in a biological sample, providing a snapshot of the physiological state of an organism. Changes in metabolite levels can indicate disease states, responses to drugs, or environmental exposures. For example, elevated glucose levels are a hallmark of diabetes. Metabolites are also important in understanding drug efficacy and toxicity, as they can be formed from or interact with medications. Furthermore, metabolites are central to understanding biological pathways and networks, revealing how different molecules interact to carry out essential life functions.