The sum of all the chemical reactions that occur in a cell is called metabolism. Metabolism encompasses all biochemical processes that provide energy and the basic components necessary for essential cellular functions. It includes both catabolic reactions, which break down molecules to release energy, and anabolic reactions, which use energy to build complex molecules like proteins and nucleic acids

. In summary:

• Metabolism is the collective term for all chemical changes in a cell.
• It supports life by converting energy and synthesizing cellular components.
• Metabolic reactions are organized into pathways and regulated by enzymes.
• Metabolism is divided into catabolism (breaking down molecules to release energy) and anabolism (building molecules using energy)

Thus, metabolism is the comprehensive term for the sum of all chemical reactions in a cell.