Metabolism Flashcards
What is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the chemical reactions in the body’s cells that change food into energy.
What is Anabolism?
Anabolism, or constructive metabolism, supports the growth of new cells, the maintenance of body tissues, and the storage of energy for future use.
In anabolism, small molecules change into larger, more complex molecules of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
What is Catabolism?
Catabolism, or destructive metabolism, is the process that produces the energy needed for all activity in the cells.
Cells break down large molecules (mostly carbs and fats) to release energy. This provides fuel for anabolism, heats the body, and enables the muscles to contract and the body to move.
How is the Endocrine system involved in Metabolism?
Several hormones of the endocrine system help control the rate and direction of metabolism.
Thyroxine, a hormone made and released by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in determining how fast or slow the chemical reactions of metabolism go in a person’s body.
How is the Pancreas involved in Metabolism?
The Pancreas secretes hormones that help determine whether the body’s main metabolic activity at any one time is Anabolic or Catabolic.
After we eat food, the digestive system uses enzymes to:
- Break proteins down into amino acids
- Turn fats into fatty acids
- Turn carbohydrates into simple sugars
