The process of forming larger molecules from smaller ones, while conserving energy, is called what?

The process of forming larger molecules from smaller ones while conserving energy is known as anabolism. This biological process is essential for building and repairing tissues in living organisms, creating complex structures such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids from simpler units like amino acids, nucleotides, monosaccharides, and fatty acids. Anabolism is often coupled with the use of energy derived from the breakdown of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which allows these energy-requiring reactions to occur.

In contrast, catabolism refers to the metabolic pathways that break down larger molecules into smaller components, releasing energy in the process, while hydrolysis specifically describes a chemical reaction that involves the breaking of bonds in larger molecules with the addition of water. Synthesis generally describes the formation of compounds but does not necessarily imply an energy-conserving aspect; thus, the scientific context emphasizes anabolic pathways for clarity in energy conservation and molecule building.