Question

Why are amphibolic pathway important?

Answer 1

Amphibolic pathway:

1. Amphibolic pathway is the pathway that is neither considered catabolism nor anabolism.
2. Example of an amphibolic pathway is the respiratory pathway.
3. When a fatty acid is used as a substrate, it is broken down into acetyl CoA before entering the respiratory pathway.
4. Breakdown of fatty acid is a catabolic reaction.
5. But, when the fatty acid is to be synthesized by organisms, acetyl CoA would be withdrawn from the respiratory pathway for it.
6. Thus, the respiratory pathway works for both the breakdown and synthesis of fatty acids. Therefore, it is an amphibolic pathway.
7. Hence, amphibolic pathways are important as it involves both anabolism and catabolism.
8. The intermediate products of catabolism can be used for anabolism.