Metabolism

Question 1

What is metabolism?

Answer 1

The combination of all the reactions in a cell or in the body.

Question 2

Energy is released during respiration and is used in metabolic processes to do what?

Answer 2

Synthesise new molecules

Question 3

Give 5 examples of when molecules are synthesised during metabolic processes.

Answer 3

1 - glucose is converted into starch, glycogen and cellulose
2 - glycerol and three fatty acids are joined to form a lipid molecule
3 - glucose and nitrate ions are joined to form amino acids
4 - amino acids are joined to form proteins
5 - excess proteins are broken down and released as urea during excretion

Question 4

Is respiration also a process included in metabolism and why?

Answer 4

Yes because it’s a combination of all reactions in cells or the body which must include respiration.

Question 5

What does it mean to synthesise new molecules?

Answer 5

The construction of complex chemical compounds from simpler ones.