[geomark]

Metabolism has two parts: Catabolism breaks down complex molecules into smaller building block molecules - think proteins -> amino acids. Then anabolism uses those building blocks to build up larger molecules for growth and maintenance. Crystals don't do the catabolism part.

[kubanczyk]

Nah, this seems more like an implementation detail than an actual core of life's "functionality".

[BlueTemplar]

Looks like cell's phospholipid bilayer is anabolized just like an "endothermic" crystal : no need to cross a potential barrier (and releases energy instead of consuming it)?

On the other hand, other forms of anabolism require crossing an energy barrier (and consumes energy) ?

While catabolysm is the inverse operation : crosses a barrier, but releases energy?

The formation/destruction of "exothermic" crystals like dissolution of Sodium Hydroxide if put in contact with water is I guess similar to above two reactions ? (Or better example: explosives)

[Ericson2314]

While I don't think it's a good definition for life, I do think it's a good definition for metabolism.

That simply means "metabolism" isn't the concept to generalize further, and I'm OK with that.