What is the Difference Between Metabolism and Metabolic Rate?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between metabolism and metabolic rate lies in their definitions and the scope of their functions:
- Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions within the body that keep us alive and functioning. It includes the extraction and spending of energy in an organism. Metabolism has three primary purposes: converting food into energy, breaking down food into smaller components, and eliminating waste products.
- Metabolic Rate is the frequency of metabolic reactions in an organism. It is often used to describe the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which represents the amount of energy needed to maintain homeostasis and the body's basic functions.
Some factors that influence metabolic rate include age, gender, muscle mass, physical activity, and genetic predisposition. It is essential to note that the metabolic rate directly affects the maximum potential lifespan, whereas metabolism affects the life but not the lifespan of an organism.
Comparative Table: Metabolism vs Metabolic Rate
Here is a table comparing the differences between metabolism and metabolic rate:
| Metabolism | Metabolic Rate |
|---|---|
| Metabolism is the biological process that maintains life, involving the conversion of energy to macromolecules and their subsequent breakdown and excretion. It is divided into anabolism and catabolism. | Metabolic rate is the speed or frequency at which metabolism occurs. It is affected by factors such as size, activity level, and environmental conditions. |
| Metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions that occur within an organism. | Metabolic rate is a specific measurement of the amount of energy expended by an organism per unit time. |
| One aspect of metabolism is the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the number of calories required to keep the body functioning while at rest. | Metabolic rate varies depending on the species and individual factors such as activity level and environment. |
| Metabolism is essential for life and is present in all living organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals. | Metabolic rate is a specific aspect of metabolism that can be measured and compared among different individuals and species. |
In summary, metabolism is the overarching biological process that maintains life, while metabolic rate is a specific measurement of the speed or frequency at which an organism's metabolism occurs. Metabolic rate is influenced by various factors, including size, activity level, and environmental conditions, and can vary among different individuals and species.
- Metabolism vs Catabolism
- Homeostasis vs Metabolism
- Metabolism vs Digestion
- Metabolism vs Anabolism
- Fast vs Slow Metabolism
- Aerobic vs Anaerobic Metabolism
- Biotransformation vs Metabolism
- BMR vs RMR
- Metabolic Syndrome vs Diabetes
- Catabolism vs Anabolism
- Metabolomics vs Metabonomics
- Calories vs Energy
- BMR vs TDEE
- Death Rate vs Mortality Rate
- Metabolic Acidosis vs Metabolic Alkalosis
- Proteomics vs Metabolomics
- Phase I vs Phase II Metabolism
- Metabolic vs Respiratory Acidosis
- Calories vs Fat Calories