What is the term for the set of chemical reactions that supplies cells with energy?

The correct term for the set of chemical reactions that supplies cells with energy is cellular respiration. This process involves the breakdown of glucose and other nutrients to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the cell.

Cellular respiration encompasses several pathways, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, all contributing to the production of ATP to meet the energy demands of the cell. This process is essential for maintaining the functions of all living cells, as they require energy to perform tasks such as growth, repair, and movement.

While cellular metabolism could also be seen as related to energy supply, it refers more broadly to all chemical reactions happening in the cells, including both catabolic (energy-releasing) and anabolic (energy-consuming) processes. Therefore, it is not the precise term to specifically denote energy production. Energy conversion and metabolic rate are also relevant concepts but do not directly define the specific process responsible for energy generation at the cellular level.