Question

Why TCA Cycle is amphibolic?

Answer 1

Amphibolic pathway:

1. An amphibolic pathway is a biochemical pathway that includes both anabolic as well as catabolic reactions.
2. An anabolic reaction is one that requires energy to grow and build.
3. A catabolic reaction is one that requires energy to break down a substance.

Kreb's cycle:

The Krebs cycle or TCA cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle) or Citric acid cycle is a sequence of enzyme catalyzed reactions that occur in the mitochondrial matrix, in which acetyl-CoA is oxidised to form carbon dioxide and coenzymes are reduced, leading to generation of ATP in the electron transport chain.

TCA cycle is termed as an amphibolic cycle as:

1. It serves as both an anabolic as well as a catabolic pathway.
2. Some substances get broken down in the reaction.
3. Simultaneously, some substances get formed during the reaction.