ABSTRACT
Metabolism comprises catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism is all of the processes where molecules are broken down by the body. This usually generates energy. Anabolism is all of the biosynthetic pathways where new chemicals are made by the body. To obtain energy in the bodies, we oxidise fuel to produce carbon dioxide, water and energy. Besides being fuel, food is a source of complex chemical structures that can be made by certain plants and bacteria, but not by us. Food contains the energy and the atoms and molecules we need for building new molecules. It is commonly divided into two major groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. The macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. The study of control of metabolism is examining how the body buffers the wild disparities between nutritional intake and nutritional needs.
