Question

How does metabolism create life? Describe in broad conceptual terms.

Answer 1

METABOLISM:

Metabolism is a chemical reaction that takes place in the cells of an organism to convert food into energy.

This energy is used by the organism's body to do all activities like thinking, moving and even growing.

Metabolism is a balanced process that involves two activities

• Anabolism: Also called constructive metabolism. It is building up and storing of energy. It helps in cell growth, tissue maintenance, and formation of complex molecules
• Catabolism: Also called destructive metabolism. It break downs the molecules to release energy which is then used to provide fuel for anabolism, to generate heat in the body.

HOW METABOLISM IS INITIATED?

Metabolism is initiated by specific proteins released from specific glands.

Endocrine gland controls the rate of metabolism by releasing thyroxine from thyroid gland.

Pancreas secrets hormones which will decide the type of activity at a particular time whether it is anabolic or catabolic.

For instance;

Anabolic activity occurs after eating a meal. During this time the blood glucose level will be high which serves as an important fuel. Due to this Pancreas senses the high blood glucose level and secrets insulin which further send signals to the cells to increase their anabolic activity.

Thus in this way Metabolism is building up molecules that supports the important life processes and generating energy to perform that life processes. Hence in this way Metabolism is creating life by providing energy and maintaining life by storing energy.

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