$ the sum total of anabolic and catabolic activities is called metabolism
! Organisms with positive metabolism remain healthy.

Options

A. If both As and R are correct and R is correct explanation of As
B. If both As and R are correct but R is not correct explanation of As
C. If As is correct, R is wrong
D. If both As and R are wrong.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Metabolism**:
- Metabolism is defined as the sum total of all anabolic (building up) and catabolic (breaking down) activities in an organism.
- It involves a series of chemical reactions that are essential for maintaining life.

2. **Components of Metabolism**:
- **Anabolism**: This is the process where simpler substances are built up into more complex molecules. It requires energy input. For example, the synthesis of proteins from amino acids.
- **Catabolism**: This is the process where complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. For example, the breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration.

3. **Assertion Evaluation**:
- The assertion states that "the sum total of anabolic and catabolic activities is called metabolism." This is correct because metabolism indeed encompasses both processes.

4. **Reason Evaluation**:
- The reason provided is that "organisms with positive metabolism remain healthy." This is also correct. A positive metabolism indicates a balance where anabolic processes are effectively building up necessary compounds, contributing to health.

5. **Relationship Between Assertion and Reason**:
- While both the assertion and reason are correct, the reason does not explain why the sum total of anabolic and catabolic activities is referred to as metabolism. The reason focuses on the health aspect rather than the definition of metabolism itself.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer is that both the assertion and reason are correct, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

**Final Answer**: Assertion and reason are both correct, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

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