HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does metabolism refer to?

1. the breakdown of food

2. the sum of chemical changes involved in the function of nutrition

3. the absorption of nutrients

4. the release of energy

The correct answer is: the sum of chemical changes involved in the function of nutrition

Metabolism is a comprehensive term that encompasses all the chemical processes and reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life. It includes both catabolic pathways, which break down molecules to release energy, and anabolic pathways, which use that energy to build and repair cellular components. Therefore, when describing metabolism as the sum of the chemical changes involved in the function of nutrition, it highlights its role in converting food into energy and the necessary components for growth and maintenance. Other options focus on specific aspects of metabolism: the breakdown of food pertains to catabolism, the absorption of nutrients relates to the digestive processes, and the release of energy is an important outcome of metabolic processes. However, they do not capture the full scope of what metabolism entails, making the second answer the most inclusive and accurate definition.