Book 22, Question 89
What Is Metabolism?
Even when you are fast asleep, your body is busy. All the chemistry that keeps you going has a name. It is called metabolism! Remember, even when you rest, your body uses energy to keep your heart beating and your lungs breathing.
More fun facts
- Metabolism is the process your body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat.
- Food is made up of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
- Chemicals in your digestive system break food down into sugars and acids, which are your body's fuel.
- Metabolism includes everything in the body that uses energy, like breathing, pumping blood and keeping your body temperature steady.
- Moving muscles, digesting food and running your brain and nerves are all part of metabolism too.
- Tiny parts of your cells produce the energy, and diseases that affect them are called mitochondrial diseases.
Sources: MedlinePlus, MedlinePlus
Questions kids ask
What is a metabolic disorder?
It happens when unusual chemical reactions in the body disrupt the way it gets energy from food.