Metabolism is the set of chemical processes in living organisms that convert food into energy and building materials, and break down waste. It includes both building up substances (anabolism) and breaking them down (catabolism).
From Greek “metabolē” meaning 'change, transformation', from “meta-” 'after, beyond, change' and “ballein” 'to throw'. The scientific term was developed in the 19th century to describe the constant chemical changes in living cells. It emphasizes that life depends on continuous transformation of matter and energy.
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