Final answer:
Metabolism is the sum of all reactions occurring in a living organism, and it involves managing material and energy resources. It includes catabolic reactions that break down complex molecules and anabolic reactions that build complex molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metabolism is the sum of all reactions occurring in a living organism. It deals with how an organism manages its material and energy resources. Metabolic reactions involve the breaking down of complex molecules into simpler ones (catabolism) and the building of complex molecules requiring energy (anabolism).