Final answer:
Metabolism is the sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions that maintain life by synthesizing complex molecules and breaking them down to release energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metabolism is a critical life-sustaining process that includes both anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism is the sequence of chemical reactions in which living organisms synthesize complex molecules from simpler ones, generally consuming energy in the process. Conversely, catabolism involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing the energy necessary for various cellular activities including anabolism. For instance, when the body forms proteins by linking amino acids, it is an anabolic process that uses the energy derived from catabolic reactions.
Metabolic processes are continuous and simultaneous actions that are fundamental for maintaining life. The energy required by living organisms to grow, maintain internal conditions (homeostasis), and perform various life functions is all a product of metabolic activities. Thus, metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions that occur in a cell or an organism, making it essential for survival.