What is the role of metabolism in cell function?
Metabolism in general refers to chemical reactions in body cells. As food is broken down or oxidized, energy is produced. Cell mitochondria give out heat and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a vital form of chemical energy utilized in all cell activity. Activity releases carbon dioxide, water, and other waste products. When cell membranes do not receive the required amount of energy, this sequence of reactions is impaired. When reactions are impaired, cytolysis (cell disintegration) results.
