Which term refers to the organic processes necessary for life within a cell or organism?

The term that refers to the organic processes necessary for life within a cell or organism is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses all the chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including converting food into energy, building and repairing tissues, and regulating essential functions.

Metabolism is divided into two main categories: catabolism, which involves breaking down molecules to release energy, and anabolism, which focuses on building up molecules to create cellular structures and store energy. This duality ensures that an organism can grow, reproduce, and respond to environmental changes.

Homeostasis relates to maintaining stable internal conditions in an organism, while cytokinesis refers specifically to the process of cell division. Thus, metabolism is the most comprehensive term that captures all the vital biological processes required for survival and functioning within cells and organisms.