Metabolism and Cellular Respiration: Structure, Function, and Energy Flow in Cells

Metabolism and Cellular Respiration

Introduction

Metabolism and cellular respiration are fundamental processes that allow cells to obtain and utilize energy for growth, maintenance, and function. This section provides an overview of the requirements of the cell, the nature of metabolism, and the stages and mechanisms of cellular respiration.

Requirements of the Cell

Basic Cellular Needs

• Cell Membrane: A boundary that separates the inside of the cell from the external environment, maintaining homeostasis.

• Information Transmission: Mechanisms to encode and transmit genetic and biochemical information for cellular processes.

• Energy: Essential for cellular work, including movement, growth, ion transport, and biochemical reactions necessary for survival and function.

Cells must efficiently manage these requirements to sustain life and adapt to changing environments.