Metabolism in living organisms refers to what process?

Metabolism in living organisms encompasses the vast array of biochemical processes that occur within cells, primarily involving the conversion of energy for cellular functions. This includes both the breakdown of nutrients to release energy, known as catabolism, and the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, referred to as anabolism. The core of metabolism is how organisms utilize energy derived from food sources to drive numerous physiological processes essential for life, such as growth, repair, and reproduction.

While the digestion of food, synthesis of proteins, and regulation of blood sugar are all important biological processes, they each represent specific aspects or components of metabolism rather than defining the entire concept. Digestion is a part of the metabolic pathway, focused specifically on breaking down food to its components, whereas protein synthesis and blood sugar regulation pertain to more specialized metabolic functions. Ultimately, the essence of metabolism lies in its role in energy transformation and utilization throughout biological systems.