Final answer:
The root of the term metabolism signifies 'change', as metabolism involves the chemical reactions of building up and breaking down substances within the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root in the medical term metabolism refers to change. Metabolism encompasses all of the body's chemical reactions, which includes both the construction of molecules (anabolism) and their breakdown (catabolism). The word originates from Greek, with 'meta' meaning change and 'bolism' deriving from 'ballein', which means to throw. Together, it describes the processes by which substances are transformed within the body.
Understanding metabolic pathways is crucial because they are essential in maintaining the body's homeostasis and are involved in many diseases when disrupted. Metabolic pathways are highly conserved across different species, indicating their fundamental role in life. Moreover, metabolism directly interacts with factors such as physical activity, food intake, and muscle mass, affecting the energy-balancing act of the human body.