10. Overview of Intermediary Metabolism. Metabolic Pathways: Catabolic and Anabolic Processes. The High Energy Bond- Definition and Examples. The Role of ATP in cell energetics.
Covers the network of intracellular reactions that break down nutrients and build biomolecules, with metabolic pathways classed as catabolic, anabolic or amphibolic and illustrated with examples such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Explains high-energy bonds with a list of examples including ATP, PEP and acetyl-CoA, then describes ATP's hydrolysis free-energy values, its uses and the ways it is regenerated. Ends by showing how catabolism and anabolism are linked through shared intermediates and hormonal control.
Topic 10 of 76 in the MU Pleven syllabus for Biochemistry (Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 8 sections, about 649 words (5 min of reading), with 14 flashcards.
In this note
Overview of Intermediary Metabolism.
Overview of Intermediary Metabolism
Metabolic Pathways
Catabolic Processes
Anabolic Processes
The High-Energy Bond
The Role of ATP in Cell Energetics
Integration of Metabolic Pathways
Overview of Intermediary Metabolism
Definition – Intermediary metabolism refers to the entire network of biochemical reactions that occur inside cells to convert nutrients into energy and essential biomolecules.
It includes all the synthetic (anabolic) and degradative (catabolic) pathways that maintain the cell’s structure and function.
The intermediates formed in these reactions are often shared between multiple pathways, linking carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism.
The major site of intermediary metabolism is the cytoplasm and mitochondria, where most reactions of energy transformation occur.
The purpose is to achieve metabolic balance (homeostasis) — ensuring energy production, biosynthesis, and waste removal.
Metabolic Pathways
Metabolic pathways are sequences of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that convert a substrate into a specific end product through a series of intermediates (metabolites).
Each step is catalyzed by a specific enzyme, and the entire pathway is regulated to meet cellular needs.
Metabolic pathways are interconnected, forming a metabolic network that maintains cellular energy and biosynthetic balance.
Broadly, metabolic pathways are classified as:
Catabolic pathways – degradative and energy-yielding.
Anabolic pathways – synthetic and energy-requiring.
Amphibolic pathways – serve both catabolic and anabolic functions (e.g., citric acid cycle).
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