HESI A2 Biology Practice Test Related

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The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism is:

  • A. product
  • B. respiration
  • C. metabolism
  • D. synthesis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. It involves all the processes that break down molecules to release energy (catabolism) and build new molecules to support growth and maintenance (anabolism). Respiration refers specifically to the process of generating energy from the breakdown of glucose molecules. Synthesis is the creation of complex molecules from simpler ones. Therefore, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that encompasses all these processes within an organism.