Exploring Metabolic Pathways From P90X At Extremebodyworkout
Metabolic pathways are essential to life. In the field of biochemistry, a metabolic pathway is a series of chemical reactions that occur within a cell. Chemicals are modified and then used for various purposes. Sometimes, the resulting molecule is stored, and sometimes, it’s used immediately. Other times, it’s transferred to another metabolic pathway to be changed into something to be used in the body.
General Metabolism
Metabolism refers to any and all chemical reactions that occur within the body that are related to maintaining the body’s healthy cells. There are actually two types: catabolism, the breakdown of molecules to obtain their energy, and anabolism, the synthesis of compounds needed by the body’s cells, like DNA.
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Carbohydrate metabolism is the process which takes place when a carbohydrate is formed, broken down, or subjected to interconversion in living organisms. Monosaccharides (or sugar) are broken down in the small intestine and then absorbed into the bloodstream. Glycosis is a metabolic pathway in which glucose is converted into pyruvate, an organic acid needed in the body. The Kreb cycle (citric acid cycle) is a series of chemical reactions that is integral for all oxygen-using living cells to facilitate respiration. The Calvin cycle occurs when carbon dioxide enters the stroma of a chloroplast and leaves it in the form of sugar.
Lipid Metabolism
The lipid metabolism refers to the breakdown and creation of lipids, which are molecules that contain fats, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E and K), and other things. The best example of lipid metabolism would be the fatty acid oxidation process known as lipogenisis. Most of the calories taken up by people are triacylglycerols, which are used as energy. Triacylglycerols also take place in the metabolic process that determines the rate of fatty acid oxidation. Without the triacylglycerol metabolism, the body would be unable to convert fatty acids into energy.
Amino Acid Metabolism
Amino acid metabolism is a type of protein metabolism that is necessary for the synthesis of amino acids, other proteins, and the breakdowns of proteins by a process known as catabolism. Catabolism is the process in which proteins are broken down into amino acids for transport through the cells. It’s basically a digestion process. The tryptophan biosynthesis process occurs when plant or other microorganisms synthesize tryptophan from shikimic acid. It is a prime example of amino acid metabolism.
Energy Metabolism
Energy metabolism is one of the most important processes to take place in the body. Anytime something is taken and broken down to be converted into energy, an energy metabolism process is taking place. In the methane metabolism process, methane is taken and converted into something the body can use.