Question:
Metabolism is a defining feature of all living organisms without exception. Isolated metabolic reactions in vitro are not living things but surely living reactions. Comment.
Solution:
Metabolism is defined as the total of all chemical reactions that take place inside the body. Metabolism is purely characteristic of living beings. No living organism can
exhibit metabolism. In a cell-free system, these reactions can be replicated that is outside a living body.
These reactions never lead to a new life or maintenance of life. Therefore it can’t be called living.