Carbohydrate Catabolism

A common theme in the metabolism of biomolecules, especially for those which are used as primary sources of energy (i.e. carbohydrates and fat), is the existence of pathways for catabolism and anabolism (biosynthesis). Catabolism is the sum of all the metabolic processes by which complex molecules are broken down to simpler ones. This includes the processes by which molecules are broken down to yield cellular energy. Anabolism is just the opposite. It involves the sum of all the metabolic processes by which complex biomolecules are built from simpler ones. In such a process cellular energy is consumed rather than produced.

Glycolysis

 

Glycolysis is the initial pathway in the catabolism of carbohydrates, by which a molecule of glucose is broken down to two molecules of pyruvate, with a net production of ATP molecules and the reduction of two NAD+ molecules to NADH. Under aerobic conditions, these NADH molecules are reoxidized by the electron transport chain; under anaerobic conditions, a different electron acceptor is used. The terminal products of glycolysis are carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) and water (H₂O).

Anabolism

Carbohydrate anabolism involves the catabolic process known as gluconeogenesis . Glucogenesis involves the synthesis of glyceraldehyde-6-phosphate from pryruvate to glucose which is then turned into nucleotide-linked sugars and finally polysaccharides.



The Significance of Metabolic Pathways
By studying the various carbohydrate metabolic and anabolic pathways such supplements as creatine monohydrate have been developed. These supplements help produce more ATP which provides an individual with more energy to work out.

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