Why is metabolism essential to all living organisms?

Metabolism is essential to all living organisms because it encompasses the biochemical processes that convert food into energy and building blocks necessary for growth and maintenance. During metabolism, nutrients from food are broken down to produce energy, which cells use to carry out various functions, including growth, repair, and reproduction. This process is vital for sustaining life, as all cells require energy to perform their roles effectively.

While the other options mention important functions, they do not capture the core significance of metabolism. Waste removal is a separate process associated with excretion rather than metabolic activities. Regulating body temperature is more related to homeostasis and thermoregulation, which, although can involve metabolic processes, is not the primary role of metabolism. Enhancing physical strength is an outcome of proper nutrition and fitness, which is linked to metabolic processes but doesn’t define the essential nature of metabolism itself. Thus, nourishing cells through energy production and resource allocation highlights the fundamental role metabolism plays in sustaining life.