Final answer:
Metabolism is the general term used to refer to the sum of all the chemical reactions occurring in the body. It includes both anabolism and catabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metabolism is the general term used to refer to the sum of all the chemical reactions occurring in the body. It includes both anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism refers to the building of new molecules from simpler ones, while catabolism refers to the breaking down of molecules to release energy or obtain intermediates needed in other reactions. Both processes are essential for maintaining life.