* Obtain and utilize energy: Cells break down food molecules (like glucose) to release energy through a process called catabolism. This energy is then used to power various cellular processes, like growth, repair, and movement.
* Synthesize complex molecules: Cells build up larger molecules from smaller ones through anabolism. This includes creating proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, which are essential for cell structure and function.
Here's a closer look at the key processes involved:
Catabolism:
* Glycolysis: The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP (energy currency of the cell).
* Krebs cycle (Citric acid cycle): Further breakdown of pyruvate, generating more ATP and electron carriers.
* Electron transport chain: Utilizes electron carriers to generate a large amount of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Anabolism:
* Photosynthesis: In plants, the process of converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose) using carbon dioxide and water.
* Protein synthesis: The creation of proteins from amino acids using the genetic code encoded in DNA.
* Lipid synthesis: The formation of fats and other lipids from fatty acids and glycerol.
* Carbohydrate synthesis: The building of carbohydrates from simpler sugars.
Overall, metabolism is a highly regulated process that ensures a cell can continuously adapt to changing conditions and maintain its life-sustaining functions.
