is the term that describes all the chemical reactions that occur in a cell, including the building of molecules and breaking down of molecules.

The term that describes all the chemical reactions occurring within a cell, including both the synthesis (building) of molecules and the degradation (breaking down) of molecules, is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses two main processes:

1. Catabolism: This is the set of metabolic pathways that break down molecules and release energy. Catabolic reactions often involve the degradation of complex molecules into simpler ones.

2. Anabolism: This involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input. Anabolic reactions are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of cellular structures.

Together, these processes enable cells to maintain homeostasis, grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment. Understanding metabolism is crucial in fields like biochemistry, physiology, and medicine, as it underlies many biological functions and interactions.