Question

Glycolysis (and its sister pathway gluconeogenesis) and the citric acid cycle are often referred to as the Central Metabolic Pathways. Identify at least 3 other metabolic in aerobic organisms (animal and or plant) that interact with these two central pathways. Briefly describe the connections and conditions that govern the flow of energy and shared intermediates.

Answer 1

The pyruvate oxidation is the link reaction between the glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. It froms the Acetyl CoA from the pyruvate formed during glycolysis.It releases CO2 and forms NADH. Acetyl CoA is the starting substrate for the citric acid cycle.

Oxidative phosphorylation is the metabolic reaction that leads to the formation of ATP. It does so by transfering teh electrons from the FADH2 or NADH to O2 using multiple electron carrier molecules.

Fatty acids oxidation is the metabolic reaction which breaks down the the fatty acids in order to form Acetyl CoA. This acetyl CoA is used in the citric acid cycle.