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.

Answer 1

Hint: All of the chemical reactions which are involved in maintaining the living state of cells and organisms can be termed as metabolism. Two main categories of metabolism are: Catabolism, which is the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy and Anabolism, which can be termed as the synthesis of all compounds needed by the cells. Metabolism involves the formation of various types of molecules and many molecules also get broken down.

Complete answer:
One of the most defining features of all the living organisms is Metabolism. It is the sum total of all of the chemical reactions which take place in a living cell or organism. Metabolism is exhibited by all organisms which includes protozoans, algae, fungi and bacteria. Metabolic reactions cannot take place in a cell-free system or environment.
The metabolic reaction which is carried out in-vitro i.e., outside the cell in a cell-free system can be termed as an isolated metabolic reaction. Such kinds of reactions are carried out in a test tube.
Isolated in-vitro reactions carried out in laboratories cannot be termed as metabolism as they are conducted in a controlled environment and are simulated. These kinds of reactions take place inside a living system, that is why they are termed as living reactions. Hence, the isolated metabolic reactions, which are carried out in vitro are not living things but they are surely living reactions.

Note:
Isolated metabolic reactions are being used for a long time and are helpful in several different ways. Different researches in laboratories can be done by isolated metabolic reactions. These in vitro reactions are helpful to study various metabolic pathways. Because catabolic reactions provide energy and anabolic processes, the energy used should, in theory, equal the energy produced.