metabolic pathway
Quick Summary
A metabolic pathway is a series of enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions within a cell. These pathways are either catabolic, which release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones, or anabolic, which consume energy to build complex molecules from simpler ones.12
For example, glucose, a product of photosynthesis, can enter glycolysis or the pentose phosphate pathway. Glycolysis breaks down glucose into malate, producing ATP and NADH. The pentose phosphate pathway is an alternative route for glucose breakdown, yielding products for nucleic acid and vitamin synthesis, and providing reducing power. Intermediary metabolites are the chemicals formed and used in these pathways.21
The study of metabolic pathways aims to quantify chemical changes and understand the cellular controls governing their rates.3
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