Final answer:
The formation of glucose from amino acids or glycerol is known as gluconeogenesis, a process vital for maintaining blood glucose levels during periods of fasting or low carbohydrate intake.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of forming glucose from amino acids or glycerol is called gluconeogenesis. It is the synthesis of new glucose molecules from sources such as pyruvate, lactate, glycerol, alanine, or glutamine. This metabolic pathway is particularly active in the liver during periods where there is a need to maintain blood glucose levels, such as during fasting, starvation, or low carbohydrate intake, to ensure that critical organs like the brain have a steady supply of glucose.