What does the term "metabolism" encompass in cellular respiration?

The term "metabolism" encompasses the totality of biochemical processes that occur within an organism, including both catabolic and anabolic reactions. Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that sustain life, allowing organisms to grow, reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to environmental changes.

In cellular respiration, which is a vital aspect of metabolism, both the breakdown of glucose (catabolism) to produce energy and the synthesis of necessary compounds (anabolism) take place. The energy produced during catabolic processes fuels anabolic processes that build cellular components. Therefore, understanding metabolism as the totality of biochemical processes is critical, as it captures the interdependence of these reactions in maintaining cellular function and overall organism health.