[Campbell Biology P.234] Cellular respiration is a central metabolic pathway, but it also in... | Practice Question

Cellular respiration is a central metabolic pathway, but it also intersects with other pathways. Which statement best describes how catabolic and anabolic pathways intersect through glycolysis and the citric acid cycle?

  • A: Glycolysis and the citric acid cycle exclusively function in catabolic processes, never providing intermediates for anabolism.
  • B: Intermediates from glycolysis and the citric acid cycle can be diverted to synthesize other organic molecules, serving anabolic pathways.
  • C: Anabolic pathways feed directly into glycolysis and the citric acid cycle as primary energy sources.
  • D: Catabolic pathways primarily serve to build complex molecules, while anabolic pathways break them down for energy, with minimal overlap in these cycles.

Explanation

Glycolysis and the citric acid cycle are central to metabolism. While primarily catabolic, they produce intermediates that can be siphoned off and used as precursors for anabolic pathways e.g., synthesizing amino acids, fatty acids, or nucleotides , demonstrating a crucial intersection where molecules can be built up or broken down.