A process that works to keep us alive, energized and healthy, metabolism comprises all physical and chemical activities that produce energy and maintain cells in the body. The complex process of metabolism can be somewhat technical and difficult to understand if you're not a chemist or biologist. However, examining the crucial steps in layman's terms goes a long way toward a better understanding of how the metabolic process works.
Fueling the Metabolic Process
For the process of metabolism to begin its cycle, energy must be introduced into the human body through something we do every day -- eating food. The stored energy contained in foods is the first ingredient for the body's metabolism. These units of food energy, which arrive with a familiar name -- calories -- come from the carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the foods we consume, and they form the fuel that the metabolic process ignites to do its important work within the body.
Glucose Combustion
When the metabolic process begins for aerobic organisms, such as humans and animals, food is broken down into the sugar glucose. According to Elmhurst College, glucose is then oxidized as it reacts with the body's oxygen molecules, which we take in every time we breathe. This reaction of oxygen with glucose results in a key part of metabolism -- glucose combustion. During this stage of metabolism, which is called glycolysis, glucose is broken down into carbon dioxide and water molecules, releasing vital energy in the process.
The Krebs Cycle
Once your metabolism creates energy, it begins using this energy for regulating integral bodily functions such as muscle contraction, blood circulation and respiration, according to the National Institutes of Health. This stage of metabolism begins the Krebs cycle, which transports energy to the mitochondria of cells within the body, helping cells stay energized to maintain healthy body tissues. The Krebs cycle then earns the "cycle" portion of its name by returning free energy metabolized from fats and carbohydrates to continuously fuel the metabolic process.
ATP and Metabolism
Adenosine triphosphate is a chemical that stores the energy produced during metabolism. Without it, the body would be unable to function, reports Rice University. ATP stores energy released during metabolism, allowing you to use it for day-to-day physical activity -- whether you're lifting weights, walking or simply moving your arm. ATP also operates behind the scenes, fueling vital bodily processes including circulating blood, pumping your heart, regulating your body temperature and digesting food to keep the metabolic process going -- which in turn keeps you alive.
References
- Elmhurst College; Virtual Chembook: Overview or Metabolism; Charles E. Ophardt; 2003
- National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus; Metabolism; David C. Dugdale; August 2010
- Rice University; Overview of Mitochondria Structure and Function; David R. Caprette; August 2007
- San Diego State University: Summary -- Glycolysis and the Citric Acid Cycle
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