The study of all chemical reactions in living systems is referred to as what?

The correct term for the study of all chemical reactions in living systems is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses both the anabolic processes that build complex molecules from simpler ones and the catabolic processes that break down molecules into simpler units, releasing energy in the process. This overarching concept integrates various biochemical pathways and reactions that occur within an organism, sustaining life by enabling growth, reproduction, and maintaining cellular functions.

Understanding metabolism is crucial because it directly relates to how organisms convert food into energy and how that energy is utilized for various physiological activities. It combines the inputs from biochemistry, which focuses on the specific chemical processes and compounds involved, but metabolism itself represents the broader framework of all these reactions as they interact within living systems.