All of the biochemical pathways in a cell constitute
metabolism
the metabolism of that cell. Metabolism can be defined as the set of chemical reactions that occur within a living cell to maintain its life processes, such as growth, repair, and energy production. Metabolism is a complex and intricate process that involves the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy, the synthesis of new molecules for growth and repair, and the regulation of biochemical pathways to maintain balance and homeostasis within the cell.
Biochemical pathways are the series of chemical reactions that occur within a cell to convert one molecule into another. These pathways are highly regulated and are essential for the proper functioning of the cell. There are several types of biochemical pathways, including catabolic pathways, anabolic pathways, and metabolic cycles.
Catabolic pathways involve the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. An example of a catabolic pathway is glycolysis, which breaks down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, producing ATP along the way.
Anabolic pathways involve the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy in the process. An example of an anabolic pathway is the synthesis of proteins from amino acids.
Metabolic cycles involve a series of interconnected biochemical pathways that are responsible for the synthesis and breakdown of molecules. An example of a metabolic cycle is the Krebs cycle, which is involved in the production of ATP through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.
Overall, the metabolism of a cell is a complex and interconnected network of biochemical pathways, which are essential for the maintenance of life processes.
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