Final answer:
Metabolism is a biological process comprising catabolic reactions that break down large molecules into smaller ones and release energy, and anabolic reactions that construct larger molecules. This process occurs in cells and is central to bioenergetics, the study of energy flow in living systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The biological process that includes chemical reactions to break down materials is known as metabolism, which encompasses all the biochemical reactions occurring in an organism. Notably, metabolism features catabolic reactions, where larger molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are broken down into their smaller constituents. These reactions are crucial as they also entail the breakdown of ATP, which is vital for releasing energy required for various metabolic activities throughout the body's cells. Conversely, metabolism also includes anabolic reactions, which are constructive processes that build up larger molecules from smaller ones.
These metabolic reactions are a part of the broader field of bioenergetics, which examines the flow of energy through living systems. Bioenergetics helps us understand how cells acquire energy and use it to power the numerous energy-demanding reactions that maintain life and health in an organism.