What Is Metabolism?

Here you will learn about cellular metabolism and the Krebs cycle.

Overview

Normally when we think of metabolism, we think of weight loss fads like the Keto diet, the Paleo diet or intermittent fasting. Metabolism, however, is way more interesting than weight loss trends. It is the process used by your body to transform Cap’n Crunch into brain cells, and some scientists believe it his has huge implication for the origin of life!

In this animation we take a look at the citric acid cycle (sometimes called the Krebs Cycle or the tricarboxylic acid cycle), and the reverse citric acid cycle.

Explore Further

Biography on the Nobel Prize website about Hans Krebs and his discovery of the Citric Acid Cycle in our metabolism

Scientific paper (Nature) on the possible link between the reverse citric acid cycle and the origin of life

For Teachers

The content of this video meets criteria in the following Disciplinary Core Ideas defined by Next Generation Science Standards. Use our videos to supplement classroom curriculum.

Contributors

Our videos benefit from guidance and advice provided by experts in science and education. This animation is the result of collaboration between the following scientists, educators, and our team of creatives.

Team
  • Jon Perry
  • Anthony Danzl
  • Jordan Collver
  • Tyler Proctor
Advisors
  • Ram Krishnamurthy, PhD
  • Christopher Parsons, MSc

Transcript