Final answer:
Metabolism consists of all the chemical reactions that build up and break down matter in living organisms, encompassing anabolic and catabolic processes essential for life. Anabolic reactions synthesize complex molecules, while catabolic reactions decompose them, releasing energy useful for the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Metabolism in Living Organisms
All the reactions by which a living thing builds up and breaks down matter are collectively referred to as metabolism. Metabolism is a core characteristic of life, essential for maintaining an organism's health and sustaining its life. This includes two major types of reactions: anabolic reactions, which are involved in the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, and catabolic reactions, responsible for the breakdown of molecules, releasing energy in the process.
Anabolic reactions form larger molecules from smaller molecules or atoms. These are critical for growth, repair, and the maintenance of cells. Conversely, catabolic reactions break the bonds between components of larger molecules, releasing smaller molecules or atoms and energy that the cell can utilise. Both anabolic and catabolic reactions are necessary for the energy flow through living systems, which scientists often study under the term bioenergetics.
Thus, metabolism embraces the complex chemistry necessary for life, performing functions such as growth, maintaining homeostasis, and replacing worn-out cells through the continuous series of chemical reactions taking place within every cell.