Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

How is metabolism best described?

1. A process by which cells are destroyed

2. A process of photosynthesis in plants

3. A process by which the cells are nourished

4. A process of cell division

The correct answer is: A process by which the cells are nourished

Metabolism is best described as a process by which cells are nourished. This definition captures the essence of metabolism, which encompasses all the biochemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life. These reactions are vital for converting the nutrients from the food we consume into energy, growth, and maintenance of cellular structures. Metabolism includes both catabolic pathways, which break down larger molecules to release energy, and anabolic pathways, which use energy to build up cellular components. Therefore, it is fundamentally about how cells take in nutrients and convert them into the energy and materials necessary for cellular functions and overall health. The other choices do not accurately reflect the concept of metabolism. For instance, describing metabolism as a process by which cells are destroyed does not capture its constructive functions; rather, it suggests death or decay. Additionally, the process of photosynthesis in plants is specifically related to converting light into energy and is not applicable to all organisms broadly. Finally, while cell division is essential for growth and repair, it is a separate process from metabolism itself and does not encompass the full scope of how cells obtain and utilize energy.