Which term describes all of the chemical reactions occurring within a cell?

The term that describes all of the chemical reactions occurring within a cell is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses a wide range of biochemical processes, including those that break down molecules to release energy, known as catabolism, as well as processes that build up molecules, referred to as anabolism. Together, these processes are essential for providing the energy and building blocks required for cellular functions, growth, repair, and overall maintenance of life.

In contrast, homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stable internal conditions within an organism, not specifically the chemical reactions themselves. Cell growth focuses on the increase in cell size and number, which is a specific outcome of metabolic processes rather than a description of those processes. Photosynthesis is a particular type of metabolic reaction that occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy, but it does not encompass all cellular reactions. Thus, metabolism is the most comprehensive term in the context of all chemical reactions taking place within a cell.