The term metabolism encompasses which of the following?

Metabolism refers to the entire range of biochemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. This concept includes all chemical reactions in the body, which are essential for various functions, such as converting food into energy, synthesizing necessary compounds, and breaking down waste products for removal.

Each of these reactions plays a significant role in how the body grows, reproduces, maintains its structures, and responds to changes in the environment. This broad definition underscores metabolism's dynamic and integrated nature, involving both catabolic processes (breaking down molecules for energy) and anabolic processes (building complex molecules from simpler ones).

In contrast, the other options focus narrowly on specific aspects of metabolism, such as energy utilization, nutrient consumption, or chemical reactions alone, thus failing to capture the comprehensive scope of metabolic activities. Therefore, identifying 'all chemical reactions in the body' as the definition of metabolism accurately embodies its complexity and interconnectedness, affirming the importance of understanding metabolism as a holistic system rather than as isolated functions.