General metabolism

General metabolism" refers to the sum total of all chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to sustain life. These reactions are broadly categorized into two types: **Anabolism** is the set of constructive processes that build complex molecules from simpler ones, supporting growth, repair, and storage functions. **Catabolism** involves breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy for cellular activities. Together, these processes convert food into usable energy (ATP), synthesize essential biomolecules like proteins and nucleic acids, eliminate waste products such as urea or carbon dioxide, and maintain homeostasis. Metabolic pathways are highly conserved across species; they include glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria for ATP generation, lipid metabolism, amino acid breakdown via the urea cycle, among others. Enzymes catalyze each step in these pathways. Disruptions or imbalances in general metabolic processes can lead to a wide range of diseases including diabetes mellitus type II, obesity or cachexia (wasting), metabolic syndrome, mitochondrial disorders, and cancer—where altered cell metabolism is a hallmark feature[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. However "general metabolism" is not a specific molecule or receptor but rather an umbrella term describing all biochemical transformations necessary for life; it does not correspond to a single druggable target or protein entity. Therefore it cannot be classified as a therapeutic target such as an enzyme or receptor.

Other names

General metabolismMetabolismCellular metabolism