Final answer:
Catabolism is the metabolic pathway that breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy that can be used to drive anabolic pathways.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metabolic pathways that make available raw materials from which other molecules can be synthesized and provide chemical energy required for many cell activities are known as catabolism.
In catabolic pathways, complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, releasing energy. This energy can be used to produce high-energy molecules that drive anabolic pathways, which build complex molecules from simpler ones.
Overall, cells continually balance catabolism with anabolism to maintain their energy balance.