What is the difference between biotransformation and metabolism?

Definitions

biotransformation

- Describing the process by which a substance is chemically altered or transformed in a living organism.

- Referring to the conversion of a compound into a different form through enzymatic reactions in the body.

- Talking about the metabolic changes that occur in the body to break down and eliminate substances.

metabolism

- Referring to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

- Describing the conversion of food into energy and the utilization of nutrients by the body.

- Talking about the overall rate at which the body burns calories and carries out essential functions.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both involve chemical processes within a living organism.
• 2. Both are related to the transformation or conversion of substances.
• 3. Both are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
• 4. Both play a role in the breakdown and elimination of substances.
• 5. Both are involved in maintaining homeostasis in the body.

What is the difference?

• 1. Scope: Biotransformation specifically refers to the chemical alteration of substances within an organism, while metabolism encompasses a broader range of chemical processes in the body.
• 2. Focus: Biotransformation emphasizes the transformation of specific compounds, such as drugs, while metabolism focuses on the overall chemical processes involved in maintaining life.
• 3. Function: Biotransformation is primarily concerned with the breakdown and elimination of substances, while metabolism involves the conversion of food into energy and the utilization of nutrients.
• 4. Level of specificity: Biotransformation is a more specialized term used in the field of pharmacology and toxicology, while metabolism is a more general term used in biology and physiology.
• 5. Time frame: Biotransformation typically refers to immediate or short-term chemical changes, while metabolism encompasses long-term processes that occur continuously in the body.

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Remember this!

Biotransformation and metabolism are both related to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism. However, biotransformation specifically refers to the transformation or alteration of substances within an organism, often involving the breakdown and elimination of compounds like drugs. On the other hand, metabolism encompasses a broader range of chemical processes in the body, including the conversion of food into energy and the utilization of nutrients.