2003: Introduction to metabolism

Metabolism

the sum of all of the chemical transformations taking place in a cell or organism. An integrated network of chemical reactions by which organisms extract energy from their environment and use this energy to do useful work.

Metabolic Pathways

A series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, in which specific small chemical changes occur, to convert a precursor molecule into a final product molecule

Metabolites

Molecules that are modified in each reaction within the series, leading to the final product

Catabolism versus Anabolism

Catabolism: the breakdown of a precursor into smaller, simpler products. Catabolism typically leads to the release of ‘stored energy’ within the precursor.

Anabolism: (also called biosynthesis) small, simple precursors are built into larger products. Anabolism requires energy.