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Understanding Metabolism in Biology

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isla ๐Ÿซถ @isla

Your body is constantly working behind the scenes, breaking down your breakfast and building new cells. This amazing... Show more

metabolism
what is metabolism?
the sum of the reactions in a cell / the body
what is metabolic rate?
a measure of the amount of
energy used

Understanding Metabolism

Metabolism is simply the sum of all chemical reactions happening in your cells and body right now. Think of it as your body's non-stop factory that never takes a break!

Your metabolic rate measures how much energy your body uses to keep everything running smoothly. It's like checking the fuel gauge on your body's engine - some people burn energy faster than others.

Your body works with three main types of food molecules that fuel everything you do. Carbohydrates are made of simple sugars and give you quick energy. Proteins are built from amino acids and help repair and build your muscles. Lipids (fats) are made of glycerol and fatty acids and store long-term energy.

Metabolism shows up everywhere in your body. Respiration converts the sugars from your food into usable energy. Your body also converts simple sugars into glycogen for storage, like keeping batteries charged for later. When you have excess proteins, your body breaks them down and creates urea, which gets removed as waste.

Quick Tip Think of metabolism as your body's recycling centre - constantly breaking things down and building them back up!

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Anna

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Basil

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iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

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ย 

Biology

โ€ข

305

โ€ข

3 Dec 2025

โ€ข

1 page

Understanding Metabolism in Biology

user profile picture

isla ๐Ÿซถ

@isla

Your body is constantly working behind the scenes, breaking down your breakfast and building new cells. This amazing process is called metabolism, and it's what keeps you alive and energetic every single day.

metabolism
what is metabolism?
the sum of the reactions in a cell / the body
what is metabolic rate?
a measure of the amount of
energy used

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Understanding Metabolism

Metabolism is simply the sum of all chemical reactions happening in your cells and body right now. Think of it as your body's non-stop factory that never takes a break!

Your metabolic rate measures how much energy your body uses to keep everything running smoothly. It's like checking the fuel gauge on your body's engine - some people burn energy faster than others.

Your body works with three main types of food molecules that fuel everything you do. Carbohydrates are made of simple sugars and give you quick energy. Proteins are built from amino acids and help repair and build your muscles. Lipids (fats) are made of glycerol and fatty acids and store long-term energy.

Metabolism shows up everywhere in your body. Respiration converts the sugars from your food into usable energy. Your body also converts simple sugars into glycogen for storage, like keeping batteries charged for later. When you have excess proteins, your body breaks them down and creates urea, which gets removed as waste.

Quick Tip: Think of metabolism as your body's recycling centre - constantly breaking things down and building them back up!

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

5

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: โœ“ 50+ Practice Questions โœ“ Interactive Flashcards โœ“ Full Mock Exam โœ“ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Biological Molecules Overview

Comprehensive A-Level Biology notes covering essential biological molecules including carbohydrates (starch, glycogen, cellulose), proteins (amino acids, structure), lipids, and enzymes. Understand monomers, polymers, and the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions. Ideal for exam preparation and revision.

BiologyBiology
12

All of topic 1 - A level biology

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BiologyBiology
13

Understanding Biological Molecules

Explore the essential concepts of biological molecules, including the roles of water, monomers, and polymers. This summary covers carbohydrates, their types (monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides), and key processes like condensation and hydrolysis. Ideal for biology students seeking to grasp the fundamentals of biomolecules and their significance in metabolic reactions.

BiologyBiology
12

Biological Molecules Overview

Explore the essential concepts of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. This summary covers the structure and function of key macromolecules, condensation and hydrolysis reactions, and the role of hydrogen bonds in biological systems. Ideal for students preparing for exams or seeking a comprehensive understanding of biomolecules.

BiologyBiology
12

Biological Molecules Overview

Explore the fundamentals of monomers and polymers in biological molecules. This summary covers key concepts such as the structure of glucose, types of carbohydrates, and the processes of condensation and hydrolysis. Ideal for Year 12 Biology students preparing for exams.

BiologyBiology
12

Carbohydrate Structures Explained

Explore the fundamentals of carbohydrates, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. This summary covers key concepts such as monomers, condensation, and hydrolysis, with clear definitions and examples like glucose, maltose, and starch. Ideal for AS level students seeking to understand carbohydrate chemistry.

BiologyBiology
12

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user