Question

Why is the respiratory pathway referred to as an amphibolic pathway? Explain.

Answer 1

Introduction

Respiration is a multistep process where breakdown (catabolism) as well as formation (anabolism) of new substances takes place. The process begins with glycolysis and ends with oxidative phosphorylation. This entire pathway that occurs during respiration is called respiratory pathway.

Amphibolic pathways

Biochemical pathways in which both anabolism and catabolism occur is called an amphibolic pathway.

Respiratory pathway is an amphibolic pathway

For instance during glycolysis breakdown or catabolism of glucose occurs. During fatty acid formation (anabolism) acetyl $CoA$ is withdrawn from the respiratory pathway.

Thus in the respiratory pathway both anabolism and catabolism occurs. Therefore, it is an amphibolic pathway.