Metabolism (AQA GCSE Biology: Combined Science)

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Metabolism: Basics

What is metabolism?

  • Metabolism can be defined as

the sum of all the reactions in a cell or the body

  • Metabolic reactions happen all of the time powered by energy transferred by respiration in cells
  • Enzyme-controlled processes use this energy in metabolism to synthesise new molecules
  • Metabolic reactions are often linked, where the products of one reaction are the reactants for another

Metabolic substrates

  • Metabolic reactions include the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins 
    • Glucose (a sugar) is used in the synthesis of starch, glycogen or cellulose
    • Fatty acids and glycerol are used in the synthesis of lipids
    • Amino acids are used in the synthesis of proteins
  • These substances act as substrates in many key reactions

Metabolic reactions

Metabolism, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

The products of digestion are used to build substances, and some of these are then broken down – this is metabolism

Examiner Tip

You should be able to explain the importance of sugars, amino acids, fatty acids and glycerol in the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.

Examples of metabolic reactions

  • Metabolism includes:
    • Conversion of glucose to cellulose in plants to build and strengthen cell walls
    • Conversion of glucose into glycogen in animals and starch in plants for storage
    • The formation of lipid molecules from a molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids to form triglycerides which are used for energy storage and as insulation in animals
    • In plants: the use of glucose and nitrate ions to form amino acids which in turn are used to synthesise proteins required by cells (such as enzymes)
    • Glucose is broken down in the process of respiration to release energy in all cells
    • In animals, the breakdown of excess proteins to form urea for excretion

Examiner Tip

All of the features of metabolism listed are covered in more detail in the relevant topics but you should be aware of how they all link together here.

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Lára

Author: Lára

Expertise: Biology Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.