セクションアウトライン

    • We often hear the words metabolism and growth. Their relationship is shown in the figure below. Metabolism can be divided between anabolism, which is a process through which organic matter is synthesized from simple substances through energy consumption; and catabolism, which decomposes complex substances to extract energy. The surplus from anabolism is then utilized for growth in the processes of proliferation, differentiation, and hypertrophy of the cells that support the body. However, when animals are starved, this surplus is degraded, and the process is switched to catabolism for procuring energy. Metabolism and growth are linked in these ways.