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Metabolism Essay

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Metabolism

“Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that happen in living organisms to maintain life. These processes allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments” (Metabolism). Metabolism breaks down the food that we eat, transforming it into energy for our bodies. Metabolism is broken down into two categories Anabolism and Catabolism, which help aid in the chemical reaction process. Specific proteins in the body control the chemical reactions of metabolism, and each chemical reaction is coordinated with other body functions (Dowshen). Metabolism is a constant process that begins when we're born and ends when we die. It is a vital process for all life not just humans, and …show more content…

Many of these hormones are natural and are completely necessary for proper functioning of the metabolic systems. Others, however, are administered artificially to stimulate growth or to increase strength and energy, legally or illegally. Anabolic steroids, for example, are used therapeutically to treat a variety of different conditions, such as delayed puberty. They increase muscle growth and are closely related to testosterone, so they stimulate many other masculine features such as voice depth and hair growth. Some anabolic hormones include • “Growth hormone - a hormone made in the pituitary gland. Growth hormone stimulates the release of the hormone somatomedin by the liver, causing growth. • IGF1 and other insulin-like growth factors - hormones that simulate the production of protein and sulfate. IGF I and II are involved in the growth of the uterus and placenta, as well as the early growth of the fetus during pregnancy. • Insulin - a hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas. It regulates the level of sugar glucose in the blood. Cells cannot utilize glucose without insulin. • Testosterone - a male hormone produced mainly in the testes. Testosterone causes the development of male sex characteristics, such as a deep voice and a beard. It also strengthens muscles and bone mass. •

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