Metabolism

Respiration is a chemical reaction that releases energy from glucose molecules. Enzymes help to harness the released energy, from the glucose molecules, for the synthesis of new molecules.

Glucose can also be useful as a starting point for many chemicals. For example, in plant cells, glucose is converted into cellulose to build and strengthen cell walls. For storage, glucose is converted to starch in plants and glycogen in animals.

Metabolism is the sum of all of the chemical reactions in the body. The energy for these reactions is provided by cellular respiration

Metabolic reactions can be divided into two categories:

• The Breakdown of molecules

• The Synthesis of molecules

Breakdown of Molecules

Complex molecules are broken down into simpler molecules. “For example, let’s look at the breakdown of molecules during digestion:

• Complex carbohydrates → Simple sugars

• Proteins → Amino acids

• Lipids → 3 fatty acids + glycerol

These complex molecules are broken down to sizes small enough for absorption in the small intestine.

Synthesis of Molecules

Simpler molecules form more complex molecules. For example:

• Simple sugars → Complex carbohydrates

• Amino acids → Proteins

• 3 fatty acids + glycerol → Lipids

Such reactions facilitate growth and repair.