Most organisms grow by ___.

• A. absorbing sunlight directly into their DNA
• B. increasing the number of their cells through cell division
• C. decreasing their metabolic rate
• D. eliminating waste products only

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of growth in organisms: Growth in most organisms occurs through an increase in the number of cells, which is achieved by the process of cell division. This allows the organism to develop and repair tissues.
2. Eliminate incorrect options: Absorbing sunlight directly into DNA is not a mechanism for growth. Sunlight is used in photosynthesis by plants to produce energy, but it does not directly affect DNA for growth.
3. Evaluate the role of metabolic rate: Decreasing the metabolic rate is not associated with growth. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life, but growth requires active metabolic processes.
4. Consider waste elimination: Eliminating waste products is essential for maintaining homeostasis, but it is not directly related to the process of growth.
5. Conclude that the correct mechanism for growth is increasing the number of cells through cell division, as this is the fundamental biological process that allows organisms to grow and develop.