Here's a breakdown:
* Metabolism refers to the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life. This includes:
* Anabolism: Building up complex molecules from simpler ones (e.g., protein synthesis)
* Catabolism: Breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones (e.g., digestion)
While "metabolism" is the overarching term, you could also use terms like:
* Metabolic pathways: Specific sequences of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that interconvert metabolites.
* Metabolic enzymes: Proteins that catalyze metabolic reactions.
* Metabolic intermediates: Molecules that are formed and consumed during metabolic reactions.
Therefore, the "metabolic machinery" of a cell encompasses all the components and processes that contribute to its metabolism.
