what is meaning of metabolism?

Metabolism refers to the set of chemical processes that occur within living organisms to maintain life. It involves the conversion of nutrients from the food we consume into energy and the synthesis of molecules needed for growth, repair, and maintenance of cellular structures. Metabolism consists of two main processes:

1. Catabolism:

• Definition: Catabolism involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. This energy is often stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a molecule that cells use as a primary energy source.
• Example: The digestion of food in the gastrointestinal tract involves catabolic processes. For instance, the breakdown of carbohydrates into simple sugars or the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

2.Anabolism:

• Definition: Anabolism involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input. This process is responsible for building and repairing cellular structures and molecules.
• Example: Anabolic processes include the synthesis of proteins from amino acids, the formation of new cellular structures, and the production of complex molecules such as DNA and RNA.