Metabolism

Metabolism is a complex process. It is characterized by the implementation of the transformation in the body of chemical components. This process contributes to the activity, growth, development and life of the organism as a whole. Engels, describing the metabolism, said that this is the main life sign, and noted that with the termination of the process, life will stop. When the chemical components are converted, the energy necessary for life support is formed.

The metabolism, as is known, consists of two opposite processes occurring at the same time.

Dissymilation (catabolism) includes reactions caused by the decay of products, their oxidation and the subsequent removal of the components of decay. Assimilation (anabolism) implies all the reactions that are associated with the synthesis of the elements necessary for the body, their assimilation and application for development, growth, vital activity.

Metabolism is a complex of energy and biochemical processes that ensures the use of food components for the needs of the body, satisfies its needs in energy and plastic products.

In the digestive system, substances (carbohydrates, fats, proteins and other high-molecular compounds) are split into simpler compounds (low molecular weight). The latter, after penetration into the blood and tissues, undergo subsequent transformations: oxidative phosphorylation, aerobic oxidation and other.

It should be noted that different biochemical processes take place in every living organism. In this case, in non-living bodies, there is no substitution of atoms and molecules, their constituents.

When conducting studies with the introduction of labeled atoms in the body of animals, it was established that metabolic processes in all cells and tissues occur continuously. At the same time, there were no any limitations between "energy" and "building" molecules. Their movement is equal to the basic metabolism.

It has been established that, on average, half of all tissue proteins in a human are changed every eighty days. Enzymes of the liver (for this organ is characterized by the presence of the most intense reactions) are updated every two or four hours. There are some elements, updating of which occurs every several tens of minutes.

Exchange processes provide dynamic balance to a living organism as a system. At the same time, the processes of synthesis and destruction, death and reproduction are balanced. Incorrect metabolism is accompanied by a disturbance of balance. This, in turn, leads to a breakdown in the activities of systems and bodies.

The basis of metabolic reactions is the interaction of molecules and atoms at the physico-chemical level. This relationship is subject to uniform laws for inanimate and living matter.

Exchange processes are inextricably linked with the exchange of energy. Living organisms are considered to be open systems (from the energy point of view). Depending on the environment surrounding the body, energy is generated inside it (the body). Thus, existence is provided under the condition of a continuous supply of energy from outside.

For man and animals, the primary energy source is the radiation of the Sun. Due to its influence, food is formed.

Food has a diverse and complex composition. Most of all in it the basic nutritious components - macronutrients. These include carbohydrates, fats, proteins. In the food there are also mineral components (macroelements). These include sodium, phosphorus, calcium and others. Present in food and trace elements: selenium, manganese, iodine, zinc, cobalt, copper and others. Together with vitamins, microelements belong to the class of micronutrients.