Metabolic pathway

Definition

A metabolic pathway is a series of enzymatically catalyzed chemical reactions within a cell that lead to the conversion of substrates into products. These pathways are crucial for cellular processes such as energy production and biosynthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Metabolic pathways can be anabolic (building up molecules) or catabolic (breaking down molecules).
2. Each step in a metabolic pathway is facilitated by a specific enzyme.
3. Pathways can be linear, branched, or cyclic.
4. Feedback inhibition is a regulatory mechanism where the end product of the pathway inhibits an earlier step.
5. Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle are examples of central metabolic pathways in cells.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes anabolic pathways from catabolic pathways?
• How do enzymes facilitate metabolic pathways?
• What role does feedback inhibition play in regulating metabolic pathways?

Related terms

Enzyme: A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.

Glycolysis: A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, yielding ATP and NADH.

Krebs Cycle: A series of enzymatic reactions that produce energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.