Question

Glycolysis (and its sister pathway gluconeogenesis) and the citric acid cycle are often referred to as the Central metabolic Pathways. Identify at least 3 other metabolic in aerobic organisms (animal and or plant) that interact with these two central pathways. Briefly describe the connections and conditions that govern the flow of energy and shared intermediates

Answer 1

Although glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and kreb cycle are the three most important pathways of metabolic system, therr are many others that interact with it and utilize the intermwdiates for other pathways. The three of such pathways that occur in animals and/or plants are listed:

1. Oxidative phosphorylation: The purpose of metabolism is to provide the body with energy. The intermediates of Glycolysis and TCA cycle such as NADH and FADH2 are transported to the inner membrane of the mitochondria to produce ATP by the complex process. Thiw utilises the flow of electrons from the e- carriers NADH and FADH2 to establish a proton gradient which is utilised to form ATP.

2. Pentose Phosphate Pathway: Again other intermediates like the Glucose-6-phosphate are utilised to form pentoses and NADPH that are needed for nucleotide biosynthesis. Fructose and Triose produced from Pentoses are utilised in glycolysis.

3. Glycogenesis: Glucose needs to be stored in the form of glycogen reserves for later use. G-6-P is an important intermediate which is converted to G-1-P and followed by subsequent steps to form Glycogen.

4. Also intermediates of TCA cycle are also used in amino acid and Heme formation.

P.S. Please rate this answer Thumbs Up if you liked it. Thanks.