OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What components make up a cell's metabolism?

1. Photosynthesis and respiration only

2. Respiration, photosynthesis, and protein synthesis

3. Only respiration

4. Only protein synthesis

The correct answer is: Respiration, photosynthesis, and protein synthesis

A cell's metabolism encompasses all the biochemical processes that occur within it, including both energy-producing and energy-utilizing reactions. The correct answer includes respiration, photosynthesis, and protein synthesis, as each of these processes plays a crucial role in a cell's overall metabolic function. Respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. This energy is essential for maintaining cellular functions and meeting the energy demands of various cellular activities. Photosynthesis, occurring primarily in plants and some algae, is the process through which carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process is vital for trapping solar energy and produces the glucose that can later be used in respiration. Protein synthesis is the process of creating proteins from amino acids, which is critical for cellular structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs. Proteins are involved in nearly every cellular activity, including acting as enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions. Overall, the combination of these processes illustrates the complexity of metabolic activities within a cell, demonstrating how energy is captured, transformed, and utilized to ensure the cell's survival and function.