Metabolism products, also known as metabolites, are the various compounds created during the body's metabolic processes. These processes encompass the breakdown of nutrients for energy (nutrient breakdown) and the elimination of waste products.
There are two main categories of metabolism products:
- Energy byproducts:Â These are molecules generated during cellular respiration, the process by which cells convert nutrients like glucose into usable energy (ATP). Examples include:
- Metabolic waste:Â These are leftover components from various metabolic pathways. The body needs to eliminate them as they can be harmful if allowed to accumulate. Examples include:
- Catabolic remnants:Â Waste products generated from the breakdown of larger molecules like proteins or carbohydrates.
- Detoxification byproducts:Â Compounds produced during the detoxification of harmful substances in the body.
- Excretory substances:Â Waste products eliminated from the body through various organs like the kidneys (urine), lungs (CO2), intestines (feces), and skin (sweat).
By understanding these different terms, you can gain a clearer picture of the vast array of compounds produced by our metabolism.
