What is the term used for the chemical reactions taking place inside a cell?

The term for the chemical reactions taking place inside a cell is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses the entire range of biochemical processes that occur within a living organism, including both the conversion of food to energy (catabolism) and the synthesis of necessary components for cellular structures and functions (anabolism). These reactions are essential for growth, reproduction, and maintenance of cellular processes, making metabolism a foundational concept in microbiology and health sciences.

Homeostasis refers to the mechanisms that maintain stable internal conditions within an organism, such as temperature and pH, rather than the specific chemical reactions occurring in cells. Respiration is a specific metabolic process focused on energy production, typically through the breakdown of glucose, while digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller components outside the cell, primarily in the gastrointestinal tract. These distinctions reinforce the unique role metabolism plays in enabling cellular function and sustaining life.