Assertion (A): Living organisms work continuously because of non – equilibrium steady state.

Reason (R): Metabolism of living organisms is continuous energy production mechanism to attain living state.

Assertion is true. Systems at equilibrium cannot perform work. Therefore, living organisms work continuously because of non – equilibrium steady state. Hence the living state is a non-equilibrium steady state to be able to perform work; living process is a constant effort to prevent falling into equilibrium.

Reason is also true.  Non-equilibrium state is achieved by energy input. Metabolism provides a mechanism for the production of energy. Hence
the living state and metabolism are synonymous. Without metabolism there cannot be a living state.

A is true, R is true and R is correct explanation of A.