Here's a problem to solve: All stars in the universe go through a life cycle. What factor determines how stars progress through this cycle?

Among the 4 following options, which is the correct answer?

- A: the radiation that is present in the star
 
- B: the amount of energy the star consumes
 
- C: the quantity of mass with which the star began
 
- D: the location of the star in the universe
 