Question

The respiratory pathway in plants is called amphibolic pathway. Why?

Answer 1

An amphibolic pathway is one in which both catabolism and anabolism occurs. During respiration glucose or other substrates are broken down to produce energy (catabolism). Certain substances such as fatty acids during their breakdown are converted to acetyl coenzyme A before being broken down to generate energy. This acetyl coenzyme A, however, can also be used for the synthesis of fatty acids. Synthesis of complex substances in this manner (from simple substances) is said to be anabolism. Therefore, both catabolism and anabolism occur during respiration and respiration can be said to be having an amphibolic pathway.