metabolism is the biochemical process that life depends on
metabolic pathways are integrated and controlled pathways of enzyme-catalysed reactions within a cell
two types of metabolic reactions are catabolic and anabolic
anabolic reactions are the build up of small molecules to larger ones, e.g. proteinsynthesis
catabolic reactions are the breakdown of large molecules to small ones, e.g. digestion
three steps in metabolicpathways are irreversiblesteps, reversiblesteps, and alternativeroutes
metabolic pathways contain irreversible steps, as key regulatory points in the pathway. after that point, substrates cannot be converted back and are committed to continuing on the pathway
reversible steps are important if too much of a substrate builds up. it allows it to be converted back to the previous substrate. some products of metabolism in the body are potentially toxic, this can prevent toxicity
what are the steps in metabolic pathways?
irreversible steps, reversible steps, and alternative routes
when substrates are plentiful, or in short supply, steps in the metabolic pathway can be bypassed. this conserves energy.
