Metabolism

Metabolism or, simply speaking, the process of breaking down ingested substances and assimilating them into the body, involves a group of chemical reactions that takes place in living organisms with a view to sustain life. The procedures enable the organisms to grow as well as reproduce, preserve their respective formation or structure and also react to the environments they survive in.

Hand Cream

100% natural hand cream to keep your hands smooth, crack-free and protected from the elements.

Hand Cream

Precisely speaking, metabolism is segregated into two broad groups - anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism involves utilization of the stored up energy to create different constituents of cells, for instance, nucleic acid and proteins. On the other hand, catabolism disintegrates organic substances to garner energy in the respiration of cells.

Chemical effects involved in the metabolic procedure are categorized into several metabolic routes wherein any chemical is converted by means of a succession of phases into a different chemical by a series of enzymes. In fact, enzymes are very important in the metabolic process since they enable organisms to steer the appropriate reactions that need energy and cannot take place on their own. Thus, enzymes help in linking them to natural or instinctive reactions that emancipate energy. Since the enzymes also function as catalysts, they enable the reactions to progress rapidly as well as competently. In addition, enzymes also enable controlling the metabolic routes vis-à-vis the alterations in the environment of the cells or in receiving signals from another cell.

Elma HA Serum

100% natural anti-aging serum great for masking wrinkles and rejuvenating skin.

Elma HA Serum

The metabolic process of any particular organism actually settles on the precise substances that will be nutritious or poisonous for it. For instance, a number of prokaryotes (cellular organisms without any nuclear membrane or organelles in the cytoplasm - usually bacteria and cyanobacteria) utilize hydrogen sulfide as nourishment although this gaseous substance is toxic for animals. It may be mentioned here that the metabolic rate or the pace of metabolism too has a bearing on the amount of food required by an organism for survival or to carry out its functions.

Here is an interesting thing to note. One of the remarkable aspects of the metabolic process is the close likeness of the fundamental metabolic pathways and constituents even between immensely dissimilar species of organisms. For instance, a group of carboxylic acids, which are better known as the intermediaries in the citric acid cycle that are usually found in all organisms. In fact, they are present in species as different as the single-celled bacteria Escherichia coli as well as the mammoth multi-cellular creatures, such as the elephant. Such prominent resemblances in metabolism are possibly owing to the extreme effectiveness of the pathways as well as their manifestation early on in the history of evolution.

Nail Ointment

The best, 100% natural daily treatment to keep your nails in tip-top shape.

Nail Ointment

It is a well-known fact that our bodies obtain the requisite energy from the ingested foodstuff by means of metabolism. Once we consume the food, the chemical effects in the cells of the body transform the fuel from the ingested foodstuff into energy that is required for all our actions - including physical movements, thinking as well as growth. In fact, specific proteins found naturally in the body regulate the metabolic chemical reactions and every chemical reaction is synchronized with all the activities of our body. The fact is that several thousand metabolic reactions take place in our body simultaneously. And all these metabolic reactions are controlled by our body with a view to maintain the health of the cells and keep them functional.

In effect, metabolism is a continuous process that commences when a life is conceived and it stops when the organism expires. Metabolism is imperative for all forms of life and not only for humans. The ultimate fact is that an organism dies when the metabolic process stops!

Hair & Scalp Revitalizer

Stop losing your hair with this outstanding, 100% natural formula.
FOR MEN AND WOMEN.

Hair & Scalp Revitalizer

To be able to comprehend the metabolic process better, here is a simple illustration regarding the manner in which metabolism functions in humans and how it commences with plants. To begin with, the green plants absorb energy from sunlight. In the next phase, the plants utilize this energy along with the chlorophyll molecules that are responsible for the green color of the plants to create sugars from water and carbon dioxide through a process called photosynthesis (synthesizing elements with the help of light energy). Thus, when people as well as animals consume plants or plant produces they absorb this energy as different varieties of sugar together with different crucial chemicals that help in the process of cell building. The same thing applies for carnivorous animals - when they consume meat of animals that have thrived on plants, they too take in the energy accumulated by the plants. In the subsequent phase, the body breaks down or disintegrates these sugars with a view to release energy that is dispensed to different cells in the body. In turn, these cells use the energy as fuel for carrying out their normal functions.

Once a food has been consumed, it travels to the digestive system where molecules known as enzymes break down carbohydrates into simple forms of sugar, such as glucose, proteins into amino acids and fats into fatty acids. While sugar remains the most efficient form of energy, the body is also able to use amino acids and fats for supply of energy whenever the need arises. All these compounds that have the potential to generate energy are eventually soaked up into the blood stream and are transported to the different cells in the body for the normal functioning.

When these compounds (glucose, amino acid and fat) enter the cells, other enzymes work to accelerate or control the chemical effects concerned with the metabolizing these compounds. Energy is released during the metabolizing of these compounds and this energy may be used up by the body for carrying out some immediate function, or stored up in the body tissues, particularly the muscles, liver and body fat for use when necessary.

In this manner, the metabolic process may certainly be described as a genuinely balancing act concerning two different types of actions that continue simultaneously. While one action - anabolism, helps in reinforcing the body tissues and stores up energy, the other action - catabolism, helps in breaking down the body tissues and storing up energy with a view to produce more energy for the body to carry out all its normal functions. A brief discussion on these two dissimilar, but concurrent processes of metabolism - anabolism and catabolism, are presented below for a better understanding of the subject.

Anabolism
Anabolism or beneficial metabolism in living organisms is actually the synthesis of more complex substances from simpler ones. In other words, anabolism refers to building and storing of nutrients in the body. Basically, anabolism is a process that encourages the development of new cells, preservation of the body tissues as well as storing up of energy for later use. Anabolism is also referred to as group of positive metabolic procedures wherein the energy freed by catabolism or destructive metabolism is utilized in the synthesis of composite molecules. Generally, the complex molecules that compose the cellular structures in the body are built gradually from small and uncomplicated foundation. In fact, anabolism includes three fundamental phases. The first stage involves generation of precursors or original substances like monosaccharides, amino acids, nucleotides and isoprenoids, while the second phase entails the activation of these precursors into reactive structures utilizing energy from ATP. In the third phase, the precursors are assembled into complex molecules like polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.
It is important to note that the organisms vary from one another depending on the number of molecules they are able to construct for themselves in their respective cells. Autotrophs like plants have the aptitude to create multifaceted organic molecules like proteins and polysaccharides from simple or uncomplicated substances like amino acids and monosaccharides with a view to generate compound molecules. Different organisms may be categorized further on the basis of their eventual energy sources. For instance, chemoautotrophs and chemoheterotrophs acquire energy from the oxidation reactions of inorganic substances, while photoautotrophs and photoheterotrophs get their energy from light, especially sunlight.
Catabolism
Catabolism is also referred to as destructive metabolism and involves a process whereby energy is generated for carrying out all actions performed by the cells. This procedure entails breaking down or disintegrating large molecules, especially carbohydrates and fats, with a view to release energy. The energy released through this process is utilized for various purposes, such as a fuel for anabolism, to maintain the normal heat of the organism's body, facilitate the contraction of muscles thereby making movement of the body possible. Since catabolism disintegrated complex substances into simpler elements, it results in the production of several waste products in the body. These waste products released during catabolism are eliminated from the body by various means - through the kidneys, skin, lungs and intestines.
As discussed earlier, catabolism is basically a process which entails breaking down or disintegrating larger and complex molecules into simpler substances. The process includes breaking down as well as oxidation of ingested food molecules. Catabolism is important since the process provides the requisite energy as well as elements needed for anabolism. It may be noted here that the precise form of the catabolic reactions vary from one organism to another and the organisms may be grouped depending on their energy and carbon sources - the basic nutritional groups of the organisms. While organotrophs utilize organic molecules as a source of energy, lithotrophs utilize inorganic substrates (substances acted upon by enzymes) and phototrophs capture sunlight in the form of chemical energy.

Nevertheless, the above mentioned dissimilar types of metabolism is based on redox (a chemical reaction between two substances in which one substance is oxidized and the other reduced) effects that entail transmission of electron from the reduced contributor molecules like water, organic molecules, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia or ferrous ions to acceptor molecules like nitrate, oxygen or sulfate. In animals, such reactions entail disintegration or breaking down of compound organic molecules into simpler molecules like water and carbon dioxide. However, in organisms that have an aptitude for photosynthesis, for instance, plants and cyanobacteria, the reactions involving transfer of electrons do not discharge any energy. On the contrary, the reactions are utilized as a manner to store up energy taken in from sunlight altering small molecules into bigger ones that are more complex in nature. Examples of such molecules include molecules of carbohydrates, fat and protein.

Metabolism is a complex chemical procedure and, hence, it is hardly amazing that several people consider metabolism of it in its basic sagacity. According to them metabolism is a process that has some bearing on the manner our body adds or loses weight. And when people talk of weight gain or loss, they actually refer to the calories taken in by our body. Precisely speaking, calorie denotes the element that determines the amount of energy provided by any food. For instance, compared to an apple, a chocolate bar provides more calories to the body and this may occasionally be a good thing. Similar to an automobile that stores up fuel in the gas tank till the time it is required to fire the engine, our body also stores up calories, basically in the form of fat for use when necessary. Here is a simple example. In case you fill in excess fuel in the vehicle's tank, it will overflow on the road. Similarly, when an individual consumes calories in excess, they will 'run over' in the form of surplus body fat.

Several aspects influences the number of calories burnt or used up by an individual. These factors include the quantity of fat and muscle the individual has in his or her body, the relative extent of workouts undertaken by the individual as well as his or her basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR is actually a evaluation of the pace at which an individual's body 'burns' or uses up energy in terms of calories while in a resting position. In fact, the BMR has the aptitude to play a significant part in an individual's inclination to gain weight. For instance, an individual with a low BMR actually burns very little number of calories while he or she is at rest or sleeping. Interestingly, compared to same sized people having an average BMR and eating the same type of food and undertaking similar amount of exercises, persons with low BMR will accumulate more body fat over a period of time.

Metabolism problems

Broadly speaking, any ailment of the metabolic rate is a disease that originates from any anomalous chemical effect in the cells of an individual's body. In fact, majority of the metabolic disorders entail anomalous intensity of enzymes or hormones or else the working of those enzymes and hormones. If the metabolic rate of the chemicals in the body is flawed or obstructed, it may result in the accumulation of venomous substances in the body. Alternately, such a situation may also lead to a deficit of the substances essential for the regular functioning of the body. What is important is that any of these conditions may result in grave symptoms.

It may be mentioned here that a number of ailments related to metabolism are inheritable. In other words, such conditions are referred to as inherent flaws or inborn errors of metabolism. Therefore, soon after the birth of a baby, he or she is subjected to several examinations called newborn screening test to find out if they are enduring any such metabolic malady. Several such inherent flaws of metabolic rate may possibly result to grave problems. Often they may even be the cause of death of a baby unless these conditions are restricted or regulated by means of proper diet and/ or drugs from a very early stage.

Some instances of metabolic diseases and conditions are briefly discussed below.

G6PD deficiency
Glucose-6-phosphar dehydrogenase, also known as G6PD, is one of the several enzymes that has a vital function in the metabolism of the cell. The red blood cells generate G6PD that aids the body is assimilating carbohydrates. It may be noted here that the red blood cells may be harmed or obliterated in the absence of adequate regular G6PD to assist the red blood cells deal with specific detrimental substances. Absence of sufficient normal G6PD may even result in a condition called hemolytic anemia. The process that causes the permanent destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis and in such situations, the bone marrow - the soft and spongy substance inside the bone that actually produces new red blood cells, may not be able to keep pace with the body's requirement for additional new red blood cells. Children enduring deficiency of G6PD may become pale and experience fatigue, fast heartbeat as well as rapid breathing. In addition, other symptoms in such children may include an expanded spleen or jaundice - a condition wherein the eyes and skin become yellowish. Generally, insufficiency of G6PD is cured by putting an end to taking medications or treating the ailment or contagion that actually leads to trauma on the red blood cells.
Galactosemia
Galactosemia is an inheritable condition and new born babies enduring this congenital metabolic flaw normally do not possess sufficient amount of the enzyme in their body that is responsible for absorbing the milk sugar known as galactose. The enzyme is produced in the liver and in case the liver does not produce enough of the enzyme, it may result in the accumulation of galactose in the blood stream eventually leading to grave health predicaments. People suffering from the insufficiency of this enzyme may experience symptoms, such as vomiting, jaundice and inflamed liver. Usually these symptoms become noticeable soon after the birth of the baby. In case galactosemia is not detected early enough and treated fast, it may result in the damage of the kidney, liver, eye and the brain.
Hyperthyroidism
This condition is attributed to an overcharged thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland becomes over active it secretes a hormone called thyroxine in excess resulting to an augmented basal metabolic rate (BMR) of the person. Hyperthyroidism may result in symptoms like loss of body weight, augmented heart rate, protruding eyes, blood pressure and an inflammation in the neck region owing to an engorged thyroid or goiter. This malady may be treated using medications, by undergoing a surgery or radiation therapies.
Phenylketonuria
Often this condition is also referred to as PKU and it occurs in newborns owing to a deficiency in the enzyme that metabolizes the amino acid phenylalanine. Amino acid phenylalanine is essential for the regular growth in newborns and children as well as generation of normal amount of protein. Nevertheless, in case there is an accumulation of excessive amino acid phenylalanine in the body, it affects the brain tissues and results in mental retardation. Diagnosing the disease in its early stage as well as restrictions on foods containing amino acid may possibly help in averting the malady or alleviating the harshness of the impediments caused by the disease.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
This type of diabetes takes places when the pancreas fails to produce as well as secrete sufficient amount of insulin. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus may include enhanced appetite, weight loss and too much thirst and urination. If the disease is not treated timely, over a period of time, it may result in kidney problems, loss of vision, pain owing to damage of nerve cells as well as diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Children as well as adolescents having type 1 diabetes mellitus ought to be administered regular insulin injections. In addition, the blood sugar levels of such patients should be monitored regularly with a view to diminish the risk of developing other health problems from diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
This type of diabetes occurs when the body is by and large unable to respond to insulin. Most of the symptoms of type II diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Majority of the children who have type II diabetes are usually obese and this is believed to be a major reason for the body's inability to respond to insulin normally. Generally, some patients may be cured successfully through changes in their diet, physical exercise as well as medications taken orally. However, in most cases, it is essential for the patients to take insulin injections. It is also important to monitor as well as check the blood sugar levels of these patients, as, like in the instance of type 1 diabetes mellitus, these help in avoiding additional health problems owing to diabetes.

Comments

Post your comments, tips, or suggestions.
©2002-2024 herbs2000.com