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

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.