Metabolism: meaning, definitions and examples
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metabolism
[ məˈtæb.əl.ɪ.zəm ]
biological process
Metabolism refers to the complex set of chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life. These processes are vital for converting food into energy, allowing growth, reproduction, and the maintenance of cellular structures. Metabolism can be generally categorized into two main types: catabolism, which breaks down molecules to release energy, and anabolism, which builds complex molecules from simpler ones. The rate of metabolism varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors such as age, gender, genetics, and physical activity.
Synonyms
biochemical processes, energy transformation, nutritional processing.
Examples of usage
- Regular exercise can boost your metabolism.
- A person's metabolism slows down with age.
- Certain foods can increase metabolic rate.
- Metabolism is important for energy regulation.
Translations
Translations of the word "metabolism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 metabolismo
🇮🇳 चयापचय
🇩🇪 Stoffwechsel
🇮🇩 metabolisme
🇺🇦 метаболізм
🇵🇱 metabolizm
🇯🇵 代謝
🇫🇷 métabolisme
🇪🇸 metabolismo
🇹🇷 metabolizma
🇰🇷 대사
🇸🇦 الأيض
🇨🇿 metabolismus
🇸🇰 metabolizmus
🇨🇳 新陈代谢
🇸🇮 metabolizem
🇮🇸 efnafræði
🇰🇿 метаболизм
🇬🇪 მეტაბოლიზმი
🇦🇿 metabolizm
🇲🇽 metabolismo
Etymology
The term 'metabolism' originates from the Greek word 'metabole', which means 'change' or 'transformation'. It entered the English language in the 19th century, initially used to describe the physical and chemical processes that occur within living organisms. The understanding of metabolism has evolved significantly since then, especially with advancements in biochemistry and molecular biology. In the 20th century, scientists began to explore metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms that contribute to energy homeostasis and overall health. Today, metabolism is a fundamental concept in fields like nutrition, exercise physiology, and medicine, and continues to be a focal point of research in understanding how various factors, including diet and lifestyle, influence metabolic health.