Amphibolic pathways/processes

Apart from the production of NADH and FADH2, which are the high-energy fuels of electron transport, the citric acid cycle has two other major functions. Several of its intermediate compounds are used to synthesize other cell constituents. This, the provision of molecules for other metabolic or biosynthetic pathways, is the anabolic function of the cycle (Table 12.1). Alternatively, certain other processes occurring within the cell may produce intermediates of the citric acid cycle. These compounds enter the reactions of the cycle, and their degradation involves the catabolic role of the cycle. These two major capabilities classify the citric acid cycle as an amphibolic pathway (Greek amphi meaning both sides ). 

Amphibolic pathways can function in both anabolic and catabolic processes. The citric acid cycle is obviously catabolic, because acetyl groups are oxidized to form C02 and energy is conserved in reduced coenzyme molecules. The citric acid cycle is also anabolic, because several citric acid cycle intermediates are precursors in biosynthetic pathways (Figure 9.10). For example,... 

Clearly, the reactions of glycolysis and the citric acid cycle are central to both anabolic and catabolic cellular activities. Metabolic pathways that function in both anabolism and catabolism are called amphibolic pathways. Consider for a moment the difficulties that the dual nature of these pathways could present to the cell. When the cell is actively growing, there is a great demand for biosynthetic precursors to build new cell structures. A close look at Figure 22.13 shows us that periods of active cell growth and biosynthesis may deplete the supply of citric acid cycle intermediates. The problem is, the processes of growth and biosynthesis also require a great deal of ATP ... 

Biochemical pathways may be described as catabolic, anabolic (biosynthetic), amphibolic or anaplerotic. The principal function of a catabolic sequence is to degrade (usually by an oxidative process) simple organic molecules derived from the breakdown of polymers (e.g. amino acids from proteins) and retain some of the free energy released in a biologically useful form. Anabolic pathways consume energy and synthesize (usually by a reductive process) the simple molecules which are assembled into proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrate polymers and lipids. Amphibolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, have both catabolic and anabolic properties. They are central metabolic pathways which furnish, from catabolic sequences, the intermediates which form the substrates of anabolic processes. The... 

The citric acid cycle is not only a pathway for oxidation of two-carbon units—it is also a major pathway for interconversion of metabolites arising from transamination and deamination of amino acids. It also provides the substtates for amino acid synthesis by transamination, as well as for gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. Because it fimctions in both oxidative and synthetic processes, it is amphibolic (Figure 16—4). 

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