Metabolism

noun (uncountable)

/məˈtæbəlɪzəm/

Metabolism is the totality of biochemical reactions occurring within a living organism — encompassing both catabolism (breakdown of complex molecules to release energy) and anabolism (synthesis of complex molecules from simpler precursors using energy) — that together maintain the cellular and organismal functions necessary for life. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy expended at rest. Metabolic disorders — including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and thyroid dysfunction — constitute India's fastest-growing non-communicable disease burden, with the Indian Council of Medical Research estimating approximately 101 million people with diabetes in India as of 2023.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

India's ICMR–National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research reports that metabolic syndrome — characterised by abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance — now affects approximately 25–30% of urban Indians, making metabolic health a central plank of the National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases.

Synonyms

biochemical processescellular chemistrybasal metabolismenergy exchangebiotransformation

Antonyms

anabolism/catabolism (component-level antonyms to each other)metabolic arrest (hypothermia/dormancy)cellular stasis

🌱 Word Family

metabolic (adjective), metabolise/metabolize (verb), metabolite (noun), metabolomics (noun), catabolism (noun), anabolism (noun), metabolically (adverb)

🔡 Root

Greek metabolē = change; from meta- = after, beyond, change + ballein = to throw

📜 Etymology

From Greek metabolismos (a changing), derived from metabolē (change, transition), composed of meta- (implying change or transformation) and ballein (to throw). The compound idea is 'throwing across or beyond' — a transformation. The German scientist Theodor Schwann introduced the term into biology in 1839 to describe the chemical changes of organic matter in living organisms. The meta- + ballein root also gives 'symbol' (sym- + ballein = throwing together) and 'problem' (pro- + ballein = thrown forward).

🧠 Memory Hook

Metabolism = meta- (change) + ballein (throw) — 'throwing things around to create change'. Your body is constantly 'throwing' molecules around — breaking some apart (catabolism) and building others up (anabolism). Think of a juggler constantly throwing (ballein) and changing (meta) the balls in the air.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2011 — Biology

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Metabolism” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

⚗️ General Science 📖 Seen in: Human Body Systems — Organ Systems, Ph...

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