Metabolism Explained: What It Is & Why It Matters

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within an organism in order to maintain life. It includes all the chemical reactions that take place to convert food into energy, as well as the utilization of this energy by cells for various functions such as growth, repair, and reproduction. Metabolism also involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones (catabolism) and the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones (anabolism). The rate at which these metabolic processes occur is known as metabolic rate, and it can vary between individuals due to factors such as age, sex, genetics, body composition, and activity level.