Final answer:
Anabolic pathways are the metabolic processes that require energy to synthesize larger molecules from smaller ones, essential for cell growth and maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy-requiring metabolic pathways that synthesize larger molecules from simpler ones are known as anabolic pathways. These pathways require the input of energy to construct complex molecules such as proteins, DNA, and carbohydrates from simpler molecules like amino acids, nucleotides, and sugars, respectively. This process is critical for the growth and maintenance of cells. Anabolic pathways contrast with catabolic pathways, which generate energy by breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones. Metabolism is a balance of these two types of pathways to maintain the cell's energy balance. Examples of anabolic processes include the synthesis of cellular membranes from fatty acids and glycerol, and the creation of proteins from amino acids. The energy for these pathways is often provided by high-energy molecules like ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).