13. Respiration and Energy Transfer - part 05 - Amphibolic Pathway

 

13. Respiration and Energy Transfer - part 05 - Amphibolic Pathway


Amphibolic Pathway : 

  • Aerobic respiration as catabolic (oxidative) pathway;  it is not entirely correct; especially in case of Krebs cycle. 
  • Various reactions of Krebs cycle are mainly responsible for step-wise oxidation of acetyl part of acetyl CoA leading to release of energy and CO2. 
  • However, as per need, acetyl CoA or some other intermediates like α-ketoglutarate, oxaloacetate are used as precursors for synthesis of fatty acids, glutamic acid and aspartic acid respectively. 
  • Hence, Krebs cycle can be correctly refered to as a 'Amphibolic pathway' i.e. involving catabolism as well as anabolism.

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