This encompasses the complex network of biochemical pathways responsible for generating, storing, and utilizing energy within the human body, primarily in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). It involves the catabolism of macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—and is intricately regulated by key endocrine factors like insulin, glucagon, and thyroid hormones to maintain systemic homeostasis.
Origin
The term derives from the Greek energeia meaning “activity, operation” and metabolē meaning “change.” This fundamental biological concept has been studied since the early days of biochemistry, with modern endocrinology revealing the central role of hormones in dictating metabolic rate and substrate preference in various tissues.
Mechanism
The process fundamentally relies on cellular respiration, where glucose is oxidized through glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, and fatty acids are broken down via beta-oxidation, all feeding electrons into the electron transport chain to synthesize ATP. Hormones act as crucial signaling molecules; for instance, insulin promotes glucose uptake and storage, while glucagon stimulates hepatic glucose production. This coordinated hormonal control ensures that energy substrate availability meets the immediate demands of physical activity and basal physiological functions.
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