OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What does metabolic rate refer to?

The speed of blood flow in the body
The rate of chemical reactions in the body
The amount of oxygen used by cells
The speed of nerve impulse transmission

The correct answer is: The rate of chemical reactions in the body

Metabolic rate refers to the rate of chemical reactions in the body, which is a critical aspect of how organisms convert food into energy, grow, and maintain their biological functions. This encompasses various processes such as cellular respiration, digestion, and the synthesis of molecules that are essential for life. Understanding metabolic rate is fundamental because it determines how quickly an organism can generate energy from nutrients. A higher metabolic rate typically indicates that the body is using energy at a faster rate, which can be influenced by factors such as age, activity level, and health status. Cellular processes drive these reactions, making it essential to grasp the significance of chemical reactions in sustaining life. The other options touch on different biological concepts but do not capture the essence of metabolic rate. For instance, while oxygen usage is related to metabolism, it is a component of cellular respiration rather than a broad definition of metabolic rate itself.