Metabolism and Mitochondria
Metabolism can be described as both phisical and chemical processes, where material is either crated, maintained or destroyed, and energy is produced.
Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that happen in the cells of living organisms to sustain life. Metabolism refers to both digestion and the transportation of substances into and between different cells.
There are two types of metabolism: Catabolism, and Anabolism.
Catabolism breaks down and oxidizes organic matter, to create energy. These reactions differ from organism to organism. In catabolism, large molecules such as polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins are broken down into smaller units such as monosaccharaides, fatty acids, nucleotides, and amino acids, respectively. Organic organisms have Catabolism in the form of photosynthesis.
Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that happen in the cells of living organisms to sustain life. Metabolism refers to both digestion and the transportation of substances into and between different cells.
There are two types of metabolism: Catabolism, and Anabolism.
Catabolism breaks down and oxidizes organic matter, to create energy. These reactions differ from organism to organism. In catabolism, large molecules such as polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins are broken down into smaller units such as monosaccharaides, fatty acids, nucleotides, and amino acids, respectively. Organic organisms have Catabolism in the form of photosynthesis.
Anabolism is powered by catabolism, where large molecules are broken down into smaller parts and then used up in respiration. Many anabolic processes are powered by adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The anabolic process
builds up organs and tissue. Examples of anabolic processes include the growth
and mineralization of bone and increases in muscle mass. The classic anabolic hormones are the anabolic steroids, which stimulate protein synthesis and muscle growth.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is the universal energy currency of cells. It is created by mitochondria through cellular respiration. ATP transports chemical energy between cells. When ATP is used in the body, it usually loses one of the phosphate-oxygen groups, leaving adenosine diphosphate (ADP). When the ATP converts to ADP, the ATP is said to be spent. Then the ADP is usually immediately recycled in the mitochondria where it is recharged and comes out as ATP again. ATP is made up of adinosine, composed of an adenine ring and a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups.
Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses in the cells. These cells range from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometer in diameter. These cells create most of the energy in the cells. Mitochondria play a part in many human diseases including mitochondrial disorders and cardiac dysfunction. Mitochondria also procede in the aging process. The amount of mitochondria in a single cell can differ throughout, depending on the organism or tissue that it is located. Cells can have thousands of mitochondria, or just one.
References:www.interactive-biology.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.kidshealth.orgwww.webmd.com
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu
www.wikipedia.com
www.kidshealth.orgwww.webmd.com
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu
By: Julian Stark