What is the Difference Between Metabolism and Digestion?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Metabolism and digestion are two separate processes that occur within the body, but they are often confused due to their interconnected nature. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Digestion: This refers to the process by which food is broken down into simpler and smaller compounds through physical and chemical means. It involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the elimination of food waste via the intestines. Digestion is a part of metabolism and is a type of catabolic reaction.
- Metabolism: This encompasses a broader range of chemical processes that occur within living organisms, including both catabolic and anabolic reactions. Catabolic reactions are responsible for harvesting energy, while anabolic reactions are responsible for spending energy and promoting growth and development. Metabolism occurs in all organ systems in the body and is measured in terms of calories (energy) expended over a specified period.
In summary:
- Digestion is the process of breaking down food in the GI tract and eliminating waste.
- Metabolism is the set of chemical and physiological reactions occurring in living organisms, including the extraction of energy from food and its use for growth, development, and other bodily functions.
Although both processes are essential for maintaining life, they are governed by different factors and serve distinct purposes within the body.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Metabolism and Digestion? Comparative Table: Metabolism vs Digestion
Comparative Table: Metabolism vs Digestion
Here is a table comparing the differences between metabolism and digestion:
| Metabolism | Digestion |
|---|---|
| Encompasses a broader range of chemical processes that occur within living organisms | The process of breaking down food into simpler and smaller compounds through physical and chemical means |
| Includes both catabolic and anabolic reactions | Includes only catabolic reactions |
| Occurs in all organ systems in the body | Occurs only in the digestive system |
| Makes energy available for use | Breaks down food into fuels that can be absorbed into the bloodstream |
| Processed by the hormones insulin and glucagon | Controlled by hormones such as insulin and glucagon |
| Involves the breakdown of stored energy in the form of glycogen and other forms of stored energy | Involves the chemical digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids |
| Includes the conversion of food into energy and the creation of new cellular material | Involves the breakdown of large food molecules into subunits that can be absorbed through the alimentary canal wall |
In summary, metabolism is the complete set of chemical and physiological reactions occurring in living organisms, while digestion is a part of metabolism that focuses on the breakdown of food into simpler compounds.
Read more:
- Metabolism vs Catabolism
- Digestion vs Absorption
- Metabolism vs Metabolic Rate
- Homeostasis vs Metabolism
- Biotransformation vs Metabolism
- Metabolism vs Anabolism
- Malabsorption vs Maldigestion
- Physical vs Chemical Digestion
- Mechanical Digestion vs Chemical Digestion
- Digestion in Stomach vs Digestion in Intestine
- Probiotics vs Digestive Enzymes
- Proteolytic Enzymes vs Digestive Enzymes
- Ingestion vs Egestion
- Alimentary Canal vs Digestive System
- Aerobic vs Anaerobic Metabolism
- Digestion of Heterotrophs vs Saprotrophs
- Herbivores vs Carnivores Digestive System
- Metabolomics vs Metabonomics
- Proteomics vs Metabolomics