Which term describes the chemical process that occurs within a living organism to maintain life?

The term that describes the chemical process occurring within a living organism to maintain life is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses all the biochemical reactions that take place within cells, which include both the building up of substances (anabolism) and the breaking down of substances (catabolism). This dynamic process is essential for converting food into energy, facilitating growth, and repairing cells.

Maintaining life requires a balance of these metabolic processes, as they ensure that the organism can store energy, utilize nutrients, and eliminate waste. While anabolism refers specifically to the synthesis of larger molecules from smaller ones, and catabolism relates to the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, metabolism is the overarching term that includes both. Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment but does not specifically describe the chemical processes involved. Thus, metabolism is the most accurate term to indicate the overall set of reactions that sustain life.