Question

Sample Question Physical and chemical changes or reactions that occur within the body are collectively known as:

Answer 1

Physical and chemical changes or reactions that occur within the body collectively are known as metabolism.

Metabolism can be otherwise described as the process of converting food and drink into energy. The term metabolism is generally used to refer to the breakdown of food and its transformation into energy. During this biochemical process, calories in food and drinks are combined with oxygen to release the energy for the body to function. This process consists of anabolism or the buildup of substances and catabolism or the breakdown of substances. The process of catabolism releases energy and the process of anabolism consumes energy. The main purposes of metabolism are the conversion of food to energy, the conversion of food to building blocks for proteins, lipids etc, and the elimination of nitrogenous wastes. The rate of metabolism can be slow or fast for different individuals depending upon their age, exercise etc.