Chapter 25: Metabolism and Energetics

The term metabolism refers to all chemical reactions that occur in an organism.
Such functions include (1) metabolic turnover , the periodic breakdown and replacement of
the organic components of a cell; (2) growth and cell division; and (3) special processes, such
as secretion, contraction, and the propagation of action potentials.
The breakdown of organic substrates is called catabolism . This process releases energy that
can be used to synthesize ATP or other highenergy compounds.
The ATP produced by mitochondria provides energy to support anabolism the synthesis of
new organic molecules as well as other cell functions.