What are bioenergetics and metabolism?

1 Answer
Sep 11, 2016

Bioenergetics deals with energy flow through living systems. Metabolism is the collective processes through which energy is acquired and utilised by living systems.

Explanation:

BIOENERGETICS
Bioenergetics is the study of transformation of energy. This includes the study of different cellular and metabolic processes that lead to production and utilisation of energy.

In living organisms chemical bonds are broken and made as part of the exchange and transformation of energy. Energy is released when weak bonds are broken and strong bonds are made.

METABOLISM
Metabolism is the term given to the set of life sustaining chemical transformations within the cells of living organisms. These enzyme catalysed reactions allow organisms to grow, reproduce maintain their structure and respond to their environment.

Functions of metabolism are 1) conversion of food into energy
2) conversion of food to building blocks 3) elimination of nitrogenous wastes.
Metabolism is of two types 1) Catabolism - break down of organic matter to harvest energy, 2) Anabolism - use energy to construct molecules like proteins and nuclei acids.