Metabolism is the process in the body that governs all of our fitness and health responses, including how much energy we need and where all of the nutrients go when we eat. Thousands of metabolic reactions occur simultaneously to achieve such processes as converting food into energy and keeping the body's cells in healthy working condition. Understanding how the body regulates our metabolism can be an important part of nutrition.
Definition
Biology Online defines metabolism as all of the physical and chemical processes occurring at the cellular level involved in the conversion and modification of molecules. This usually means the creation of a usable form of energy, but it can also refer to cell maintenance, cell growth and homeostasis. For instance, cells metabolize fatty acids for certain processes.
Types
Metabolism involves two different concepts. Anabolism is the construction or synthesis of molecules from smaller units requiring some input of energy. This can include the production of ATP molecules in aerobic respiration and also macroscopic processes like bone growth or muscle mass buildup. Catabolism is a chemical reaction that breaks down molecules into smaller units to release energy. Muscle contraction is one example.
Enzymes
The facilitation of metabolic functions by enzymes is critical to the process. Enzymes are specialized proteins that speed up chemical reactions that would otherwise tend not to happen on their own. The digestion of nutrients used in cellular processes is an important function of enzymes.
Energy
Metabolism naturally varies based on energy requirements. A bigger individual will have a higher metabolism, especially if that bulk is concentrated in the muscles. A more active individual will also have a higher metabolism because the body is doing more work, which requires a greater amount of energy for the cells to facilitate functions.
Metabolic Disorders
Medline Plus defines a metabolic disorder as any abnormal chemical reaction that disrupts the metabolic process. The body might be producing too much or too few of the substances that regulate proper metabolism. This can develop in such organs as the liver or pancreas. Diabetes is one example of a metabolic disorder.
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