The ability to obtain nutrients, take in oxygen, and transform these items to energy and cellular components is called

Metabolism.

Metabolism is a process that helps in chemical transformations within the cells of all living organisms. Metabolism actually helps an organism to grow, reproduce, and respond to the changes in the environment and also to maintain their own structure. Metabolism can also be divided into two parts and they are anabolism and catabolism. Without metabolism it is not possible for any organism to survive. Cellular respiration is also considered a part of the metabolism process. This process actually helps in carrying the oxygen through the blood.

Generally travels west to east but often shifts to north and south