INTRO TO SBI4U: Lesson 1

METABOLISM
WHAT IS METABOLISM?
Take 5 minutes with your shoulder partner and discuss what you
think Metabolism is.
CRASH COURSE:
METABOLISM
WHAT IS METABOLISM?

Metabolism is the process by which we are able to uptake food and

nutrition and convert it into energy in which the body can use.

Not just one independent thing, but is a combination of chemical processes

Three main roles of Metabolism; Conversion of food to fuel, Conversion of

fuel to building blocks, elimination of nitrogenous wastes.

Divided into two main categories, Catabolism and Anabolism

CATABOLISM
The process of breaking down organic matter
Why is this important?
ANABOLISM
After we break down matter for use the next logical step is to do
what?

Anabolism is the process of building up organic matter in the

components that our cells need to survive
Main forms are Proteins, Fats, and Nucleic Acids.
WHERE DOES METABOLISM
OCCUR?
Does metabolism have a central location within the body, like
digestion or circulation?

No, metabolism occurs throughout the entire human body, in each

and everyone of our cells.
METABOLIC PATHWAYS
Because Metabolism is a collection of different chemical reactions
that occur in a cell, we can organize them into Metabolic Pathways:
where one chemical is transformed into another through a series of
steps by using Enzymes

Recall: What are Enzymes?

Answer: Enzymes are macromolecules which accelerate, or

catalyze, chemical reactions
METABOLIC PATHWAYS
CONT
The Metabolic pathways and system of a particular organism will
determine which substances it will find nutritious or poisonous.

Ie: some organisms, like the extremophiles living in sulfur pools in Yellowstone
National Park, utilize Hydrogen Sulfide for their metabolism, a chemical that
would be poisonous to us.

Metabolic rates will also differ between organism to organism, even individuals to
individuals within a species.

Aside: Metabolic rate is the speed of an organisms metabolism

NEXT LESSON
Delving into what ATP is and how it relates to the human body

Homework: Research some basic information on ATP at home.

Exit Ticket time!