Before starting the study of metabolic pathways, you need to understand what metabolism is,
What is metabolism?
Metabolism is the sum of all enzymatic reactions that occur within a cell.
Metabolism is divided into two parts:
1) Catabolism: This involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.
2) Anabolism: This is the formation of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.
What are metabolic pathways?
Metabolic pathways are sequences of reactions that occur within a cell in an orderly and regulated manner. The products resulting from metabolic pathways are called metabolites.
There are two types of metabolites:
- Primary metabolites: These are essential for the growth, development, and reproduction of plants. Examples include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and sugars.
- Secondary metabolites: These are biosynthesized from primary metabolites and serve as defense systems, aid in inter-species signaling, and possess medicinal properties. Secondary metabolites are not directly involved in the growth and development of plants. An example is quinine from cinnamon bark.
Functions of Metabolic pathways:
1) Obtaining energy
2) Forming biomolecules as building blocks
3) Assembling building blocks into proteins, nucleic acids, and other cell components
4) Forming and degrading biomolecules for specialized cell functions
What is building blocks?
-Building blocks are tiny chemical molecules that aid in biosynthesis and the production of secondary metabolites.
Conclusion
Understanding metabolism is crucial before studying pathways. Metabolism includes catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (formation) of molecules, yielding energy. Metabolic pathways orderly reactions within cells, producing primary (essential) and secondary (medicinal, defense) metabolites.