Illustration of metabolism showing inputs and outputs. Inputs include oxygen, water, dry food, and chemical energy, while outputs are carbon dioxide, water, urine and sweat, and heat.

Diagram illustrating the metabolic process, showing inputs (oxygen, water, food, energy) and outputs (carbon dioxide, water, waste, heat).

Metabolism

Category: Animal Biology Date: November 8, 2024

Definition of Metabolism

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions within an organism that enables it to maintain life, grow, reproduce, and respond to its environment. Metabolism includes both the breakdown of nutrients to release energy and the synthesis of compounds necessary for cell function.