Which term describes the physical and chemical processes that occur within a living cell or organism and are necessary for life?

Which term describes the physical and chemical processes that occur within a living cell or organism and are necessary for life?

• A. Metabolism
• B. Excretion
• C. Drug
• D. Prescription

Answer: (A)

Metabolism is the set of all the chemical reactions that occur in living cells and organisms to sustain life. It includes breaking down nutrients to release energy (like in cellular respiration) and building up new molecules the body needs (such as protein synthesis). Together, these processes provide the energy and raw materials for growth, repair, and maintaining the body's functions. Excretion is about removing waste from the body, not the ongoing life-sustaining reactions themselves. A drug or a prescription refers to substances used for medical treatment, not the natural processes that keep organisms alive.

Metabolism is the set of all the chemical reactions that occur in living cells and organisms to sustain life. It includes breaking down nutrients to release energy (like in cellular respiration) and building up new molecules the body needs (such as protein synthesis). Together, these processes provide the energy and raw materials for growth, repair, and maintaining the body's functions.

Excretion is about removing waste from the body, not the ongoing life-sustaining reactions themselves. A drug or a prescription refers to substances used for medical treatment, not the natural processes that keep organisms alive.