What is the metabolic process of building up larger molecules?

The metabolic process of building up larger molecules is referred to as anabolism. Anabolism encompasses all the biochemical processes that synthesize complex molecules from simpler ones, which requires energy input. This includes processes like protein synthesis, the formation of nucleic acids, and the creation of cellular structures.

In contrast, catabolism is the metabolic pathway that breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process. Metabolism as a broader term includes both anabolism and catabolism, representing the entirety of chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life. Cell division, while crucial for growth and reproduction, is a separate biological process and does not directly describe metabolic pathways.

Thus, anabolism specifically highlights the constructive aspects of metabolism, focusing on how cells utilize energy and resources to build and maintain cellular components essential for growth, repair, and overall function.