What term describes the energy and material transformations that sustain life within living cells?

The term that accurately describes the energy and material transformations that sustain life within living cells is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses a range of biochemical processes that convert food into energy, synthesize essential compounds, and break down waste products. It includes both catabolic reactions, where larger molecules are broken down into smaller units, and anabolic reactions, where smaller molecules are assembled into larger, complex molecules.

Understanding metabolism is fundamental because it leads to energy production needed for various cellular functions, growth, repair, and maintaining essential life processes. By effectively managing these transformations, cells can thrive, adapt to changes, and respond to their environment.

Homeostasis refers to the stable internal conditions of an organism, which metabolism contributes to but does not directly describe energy and material transformations. Cellular respiration is a part of metabolism—a specific process that converts biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) while releasing waste products. Anabolism, while a component of metabolism focused on building larger molecules, does not encompass the entirety of metabolic processes, which include catabolism as well. Thus, metabolism serves as the overarching term for the various transformations that keep cells alive and functioning.