metabolic pathways mcat

Metabolic pathways are sequences of enzyme-catalyzed reactions within cells, vital for converting substrates into energy or essential biomolecules. They ensure cellular function and homeostasis, categorized into catabolic paths that produce energy by breaking down molecules and anabolic paths that synthesize complex molecules, consuming energy. Each pathway is tightly regulated by enzymes, substrate availability, and feedback inhibition, facilitating adaptive responses to environmental changes and energy demands. These interconnected pathways support life’s fundamental processes, including growth, reproduction, and adaptation to external stimuli, playing a critical role in health and disease management.