metabolizmy

Metabolizmy, in Polish, refer to the system of metabolic processes that sustain life by transforming energy and matter within organisms. The term is the plural form of metabolizm and is used to denote either the set of metabolic pathways in a given organism or metabolism as a general concept across organisms.

Metabolizmy include catabolic processes that break down molecules to release energy and building blocks, and anabolic processes that assemble complex molecules from simpler ones. Central energy metabolism comprises glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, which together extract energy from nutrients. Other essential pathways handle fatty acid, amino acid, and nucleotide biosynthesis, as well as turnover of cofactors and vitamins.

Regulation occurs at multiple levels, including enzyme activity, substrate availability, and hormonal signaling. Metabolic flux adapts to diet, activity, circadian rhythms, and disease. Modern methods such as metabolomics and flux analysis map pathways and quantify carbon and energy flow through networks.

Disruptions of metabolic processes underlie many diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and inherited metabolic disorders. Conversely, metabolic engineering seeks to optimize pathways for medicine and industry.

Across life, many pathways are conserved yet specialized, with tissues such as liver, muscle, adipose tissue, and brain showing distinct metabolic roles. The study of metabolizmy spans biochemistry, physiology, medicine, and ecology.