How Does Metabolism Work?

he body can use sugar, amino acids, and fatty acids as energy sources when needed. These compounds are absorbed into the blood, which carries them to the cells.

After they enter the cells, other enzymes act to speed up or regulate the chemical reactions involved with “metabolizing” these compounds. During these processes, the energy from these compounds can be released for use by the body or stored in body tissues, especially the liver, muscles, and body fat.

Metabolism is a balancing act involving two kinds of activities that go on at the same time:

  • building up body tissues and energy stores (called anabolism)
  • breaking down body tissues and energy stores to get more fuel for body functions (called catabolism)

Anabolism (pronounced: uh-NAB-uh-liz-um), or constructive metabolism, is all about building and storing. It 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.

Catabolism (pronounced: kuh-TAB-uh-liz-um), 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.

As complex chemical units break down into more simple substances, the body releases the waste products through the skin, kidneys, lungs, and intestines.

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