Here's why:
* Metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to sustain life. This includes breaking down nutrients (catabolism) to extract energy and building complex molecules (anabolism) for growth and repair.
* Nutrient and energy demands are fundamental for all life processes. Metabolism provides the means to acquire and utilize these resources.
Therefore, metabolism accurately describes the intricate network of chemical reactions that ensure an organism's survival and function.
