1. Metabolism: This encompasses all the chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to sustain life. It includes processes like breaking down food for energy (catabolism) and building complex molecules for growth and repair (anabolism).
2. Growth: This refers to an increase in size and complexity of an organism. This can involve increasing the number of cells, the size of cells, or the production of new tissues and organs.
3. Reproduction: This is the process by which organisms produce offspring, ensuring the continuation of their species. There are various modes of reproduction, including sexual and asexual.
These three processes are interconnected and essential for the survival and continuation of life.