Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that take place inside a cell and in our body. These reactions can be related to the synthesis of organic compounds or their breakdown to manufacture ATP and are all coordinated by enzymes. It is clear, therefore, that metabolism is essential for the maintenance of all the activities of our body.
Metabolism consists of two sets of reactions called anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism is related to the synthesis of structural and functional organic compounds, such as membrane proteins, enzymes and hormones. These reactions are fundamental to the development of an organism and to repair damage to cells.
