METABOLISM AND ENERGY

The processes of renewal of cellular structures, enzymes, plasma proteins, hormones, etc. are constantly going on in the body. Renewal is associated with the breakdown of organic compounds (catabolism) and the synthesis of newly formed substances (anabolism). With food, proteins, fats and carbohydrates enter the digestive system, which are enzymatically hydrolyzed to the corresponding monomers. From the latter, their own proteins, lipids and carbohydrates are synthesized, which the body uses for energy and plastic purposes. When nutrients are oxidized, the potential energy of their chemical compounds is released (a subject of study in biological chemistry), which are used for kinetic processes, for example, muscle contraction, the work of K - Na - ATPase and others. Kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy, and partially into electrical energy. The plastic functions of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates are associated with the synthesis of new organic substances.