Final answer:
Catabolism is the process of breaking down complex molecules into smaller components. It is an important part of metabolism and releases energy that can be used by the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of breaking down complex molecules into their smaller components is called catabolism. Catabolism is an important part of metabolism, which is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in a cell. During catabolism, larger molecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, are broken down into their smaller parts. This process releases energy that can be used by the body for various functions.