Here's a breakdown:
* Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism. This includes breaking down nutrients for energy (catabolism) and building up new molecules for growth and repair (anabolism).
* Cellular metabolism specifically refers to the metabolic processes happening within individual cells.
Here's how cellular metabolism works for different types of nutrients:
* Carbohydrates: Broken down into glucose, which is then used in cellular respiration to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell's energy currency.
* Proteins: Broken down into amino acids, which are used to build new proteins, enzymes, and other cellular components.
* Lipids (fats): Broken down into fatty acids, which are used for energy production and cell membrane structure.
Cellular metabolism is a complex and intricate process involving many enzymes and pathways. It is essential for all living organisms to survive and thrive.
