Physiology of Finfish and Shellfish (2+1)

4.3.2.1 Functions of metabolism

Cellular metabolism has 4 specific functions.

1. To obtain chemical energy, generally as ATP through the degradation of energy-rich nutrient biomolecules from the environment or through capture of solar energy.
2. To transform nutrient biomolecules into the building blocks or precursors needed for the synthesis of macromolecular cell components.
3. To assemble such building blocks into proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other cell components.
4. To form and degrade biomolecules required in specialised functions of cells.