METABOLISM

In our bodies, in animals, plants and microorganisms, substances are constantly being broken down and built up. These biochemical processes are called metabolism.

What is it good for?

Energy

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are broken down into simple building blocks (catabolism). This also releases energy that can be used for other processes.

Building materials

All the substances we need to survive can be produced from simple building blocks (anabolism). For example, glucose sugar is assembled into long chains that serve as energy stores.

Detoxification

Harmful substances are filtered out and rendered harmless. To do this, they are converted into harmless substances – for example in our liver – and then excreted.

It is complicated

Metabolic processes are often interconnected. They involve numerous intermediate steps. Special proteins, enzymes, control and accelerate these processes.

AHA! Viruses have no metabolism. They are therefore not considered to be living organisms. In order to replicate, they need living organisms as production sites.

This text is published in the effzett issue 3-20. Illustrations: Diana Köhne

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