What is metabolism?

• A. A process of cell division
• B. A set of chemical reactions to maintain life
• C. A method of energy storage
• D. A technique for DNA extraction

Answer: (B)

Metabolism refers to the set of chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life. These reactions are essential for converting food into energy, forming new cellular components, and facilitating various biological processes necessary for survival. Metabolism can be divided into two main categories: catabolism, which breaks down molecules to release energy, and anabolism, which uses energy to construct complex molecules from simpler ones. This intricate balance of reactions allows organisms to grow, reproduce, respond to their environment, and maintain their internal complexity.

The other choices do not accurately define metabolism. The process of cell division does not encompass the biochemical reactions vital for life; it is more related to growth and reproduction. Similarly, while metabolism does involve energy storage as part of its processes (like the storage of glucose as glycogen), it is not solely a method for energy storage. Finally, a technique for DNA extraction is unrelated to the concept of metabolism, focusing instead on molecular biology and laboratory procedures rather than the biochemical processes that sustain life.