Metabolism can be considered as one of the defining features of living organisms. It refers to the set of chemical reactions that occur within cells to sustain life, including the conversion of nutrients into energy, the synthesis of molecules, and the elimination of waste products.

Living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, possess the ability to carry out metabolic processes to maintain their structures, grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment. Metabolism is essential for maintaining homeostasis, which is the stable internal environment required for the proper functioning of an organism.

However, it is important to note that metabolism alone is not the only defining feature of living organisms. Other characteristics, such as cellular organization, response to stimuli, growth, reproduction, adaptation, and the ability to evolve, are also considered defining features of life.

Metabolism is a defining feature of living organisms.