What does metabolism in living organisms involve?

Metabolism in living organisms encompasses a broad spectrum of chemical processes that are crucial for sustaining life. The correct choice highlights the processes through which organisms convert food into energy and manage waste products. This includes catabolism, where larger molecules are broken down into smaller units to release energy, and anabolism, where smaller units are built up into larger molecules necessary for cellular functions.

These metabolic processes are essential for maintaining homeostasis, supporting growth and repair, and enabling responses to environmental changes. Understanding metabolism is fundamental for fields related to biology, ecology, and environmental science, especially considering how it influences the interactions between organisms and their ecosystems. Other options pertain to specific aspects or processes but do not comprehensively define metabolism in living organisms.