Which of the following does NOT contribute to basal metabolism?

A) Exercise programs
B) Muscle tone
C) Heart contractions
D) Thermoregulation
E) Plasma membrane transport

Basal metabolism refers to the minimum amount of energy your body needs to perform its most basic (basal) life-sustaining functions, such as breathing, circulation, cell production, nutrient processing, protein synthesis, and ion transport. Exercise programs do not contribute to basal metabolism; instead, they are activities that increase energy expenditure above the basal level. Muscle tone, heart contractions, thermoregulation, and plasma membrane transport are all processes that require energy and thus contribute to the basal metabolic rate.