Final answer:
Metabolism consists of anabolic and catabolic pathways that are chemical reactions sustaining life in cells, while megastructure refers to very large manmade structures. Metabolist architecture projects like Kisho Kurokawa's Nakagin Capsule Tower exemplify the interconnectedness and adaptability of this concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metabolism refers to the entire set of life-sustaining chemical reactions within the cells of living organisms. These reactions are organized into metabolic pathways, which are sequences of chemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes. These pathways allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to environmental changes. There are two primary types of metabolic pathways: anabolic, which are constructive pathways that build larger molecules from smaller ones, and catabolic, which are degradative pathways that break larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process.
The term megastructure refers to very large manmade structures, often envisioned in architectural and urban design movements, particularly the Metabolist movement. Projects that show Metabolist or megastructural tendencies include Kisho Kurokawa's Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo which exemplifies the combination of individual prefabricated capsules into a single, large, adaptable structure. The concept of megastructures is less related to the biological context of metabolism, but both terms share the idea of complex systems composed of interlinked parts.