National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

The process of metabolism refers to which of the following?

1. Injection of substances into the body

2. The breakdown and utilization of substances within the body

3. The development of tolerance to substances

4. The absorption of substances in the bloodstream

The correct answer is: The breakdown and utilization of substances within the body

Metabolism is defined as the biochemical process by which living organisms convert food and other substances into energy and other necessary compounds. This process includes both the breakdown of substances (catabolism) and their utilization (anabolism) within the body. Answering B correctly identifies this comprehensive view of metabolism as it encompasses the breakdown of nutrients to harness energy and the conversion of these nutrients into building blocks for growth and repair. The other options focus on different aspects of substance interaction with the body, but they do not define metabolism itself. For instance, injection of substances pertains to the method of administration, while development of tolerance refers to the body's adaptive response to substances over time. Absorption involves the uptake of substances into the bloodstream but does not encompass the entire process of how those substances are utilized or broken down metabolically. Thus, B is the most accurate definition of metabolism in this context.