Metabolism is an another characteristic and defining feature of
all living things. All living organisms are made of chemicak
which are constantly being formed or changed into some other
biomolecules.
The sum total of anabolic or constructive reactiom
(anabolism) and catabolic or destructive reactiotu
(catabolism) continuously occurring inside the body is called
metabolism.
Metabolism = Anabolism + Catabolism
Metabolism occurs in all unicellular and multicelluhr
organisms. Its two stages include, i.e., anabolism, the
of building up or synthesis of complex substances from
simpler ones, e.g., photosynthesis and catabolism, the proces
of breakdown of complex substances into simpler substance
e.g., respiration, releasing waste outside.
Metabolic reactions cannot be demonstrated outside the
of
Hence, metabolism can be considered as a defining feature
all living organisms without exception. No non-living
exbibits metabolism.
The important differences between anabolism and
catabolism are