_________ is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in living cells. Multiple Choice: A) Homeostasis B) Anatomy C) Chyme D) Metabolism
Answer (1)
The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in living cells is referred to as 'Metabolism.' Therefore, the correct choice from the given options is D) Metabolism.
Metabolism is a complex set of life-sustaining chemical transformations within the cells of organisms. These reactions are crucial because they allow organisms to grow, reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments.
Metabolism is generally divided into two categories:
Catabolism : This involves breaking down molecules to harvest energy, which is often stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). For example, when your body digests food, it breaks down complex molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.
Anabolism : This is the opposite of catabolism, involving the synthesis of all compounds needed by cells. It requires energy input, which generally comes from ATP created through catabolism.
Understanding metabolism is fundamental in biology because it explains how cells obtain and use energy—a key aspect of cellular function and organismal health. This topic is often covered in high school biology courses, providing basic knowledge that is essential for more advanced studies in fields like medicine and biochemistry.
