Metabolism Lesson

​The Body's Energy & Metabolism

By Justin T Jones

Introduction to Metabolism

Key Concept:

Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the body to convert food into energy.

partner."

Metabolic Pathways

Breaking Down and Building Up

• Catabolism: The breakdown of large molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy. (e.g., Digesting food)

• Anabolism: The building of new, complex molecules from smaller ones, using energy. (e.g., Muscle growth and tissue repair)

Metabolic Pathways

Breaking Down and Building Up

Multiple Choice

The breakdown of large molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy is called...

• Catabolism

• Dogabolism

• Anabolism

• Homeostasis

Multiple Choice

Muscle growth and tissue repair would be examples of...

• Catabolism

• Dogabolism

• Anabolism

• Homeostasis

ATP: The Body's Energy Currency

The Power Source

• Key Concept: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the molecule that stores and transports energy within cells. It's the "energy currency" that powers all bodily functions.

  Example: When a cell needs energy, it breaks a bond in an ATP molecule to release it.

ATP: The Body's Energy Currency

The Power Source

Multiple Choice

The molecule that stores and transports energy within cells...

• ATP

• DNA

• RNA

• Homeostasis

Cellular Respiration

How We Get ATP

• Key Concept: Cellular respiration is the primary metabolic pathway that converts glucose (from food) and oxygen into a large amount of ATP.

  Analogy: This process is why we need to eat and breathe to stay alive. The food provides the glucose, and breathing provides the oxygen.

Energy Needs

Fulfilling Your Body's Energy Needs

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The minimum amount of energy required by the body to maintain essential functions at rest, such as breathing, heartbeat, and cell growth. It is expressed in calories per day (kcal/day)

• Physical Activity: Any movement, from walking to exercising, increases your energy needs beyond your BMR.

Multiple Select

The energy needs of your body are based on what? (Select all that are correct)

• BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)

• Physical activity

• Diet

• Time of year

Conclusion & Review

Key Takeaways

• Metabolism is the body's energy system.

• Catabolism breaks down, and anabolism builds up.

• ATP is the body's energy currency.

• Our energy needs are based on our BMR and physical activity.