Final answer:
The term cellular energy refers to biological processes that require energy. In cells, metabolism includes both exergonic reactions that release energy and endergonic reactions that require energy. Anabolic reactions use cellular energy to synthesize complex molecules, while catabolic reactions break down complex molecules, releasing energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term cellular (metabolic) energy refers to any biological process that requires energy. In cells, various chemical reactions occur through metabolic pathways, which include both spontaneous reactions that release energy (exergonic reactions) and reactions that require energy to proceed (endergonic reactions). Anabolic reactions use cellular energy to synthesize complex molecules from simpler ones, while catabolic reactions break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy. Thus, in cells, metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions that take place, including those that consume or generate energy.