Question

Assertion: Respiratory pathway now a day called as amphibolic pathway. Reason: Respiratory pathway is involved in both catabolism and anabolism.

Short answer

Yes, the assertion is correct. The respiratory pathway is involved in both catabolism (breaking down molecules to generate energy) and anabolism (using energy to construct components of cells such as proteins and nucleic acids), hence it can be referred to as an amphibolic pathway.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Terminologies

First, it's important to understand what each term in the question means. The respiratory pathway refers to the process that cells undergo to extract energy from nutrients, specifically oxygen. This process involves both catabolism (breaking down molecules to generate energy) and anabolism (using energy to construct components of cells such as proteins and nucleic acids). The term 'amphibolic' is used in biochemistry to describe a biochemical pathway that involves both catabolism and anabolism.

Relating the Concepts

Now you need to relate the concepts together. In essence, since the respiratory pathway involves both the breakdown of molecules to generate energy and the usage of that energy to build cell components, it can be defined as an amphibolic pathway. Hence, the statement 'Respiratory pathway now a day called as amphibolic pathway' is valid because it accurately describes the dual function (both catabolic and anabolic) of the respiratory pathway.

Final Verification

Just as the respiratory pathway involves both anabolism and catabolism, any reference to it as an 'amphibolic pathway' fully captures its dual role in metabolic functions. Hence, the reason 'Respiratory pathway is involved in both catabolism and anabolism' accurately supports the assertion mentioned.

Key concepts

Respiratory Pathway as an Amphibolic Pathway

The respiratory pathway, a term familiar to many biology students, refers to the complex sequence of reactions allowing cells to harvest energy from nutrients like glucose. In essence, it supports the very existence of life by providing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This pathway, often discussed in the context of cellular respiration, includes glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

So, why do we now refer to the respiratory pathway as 'amphibolic'? It's because this pathway doesn't just generate energy through catabolism, where complex molecules like carbohydrates and fats are broken down into simpler ones releasing energy; it also participates in anabolism, the building up of complex molecules from simpler ones, using the energy it generates. Hence, the term 'amphibolic' beautifully captures this dual nature. Making sure that students grasp this duality is crucial in understanding the interconnected nature of metabolic processes in biochemistry.

Catabolism and Anabolism: Two Sides of Metabolic Coin

Metabolism, a term that echoes through the halls of biology and biochemistry, comprises two contrasting yet interconnected processes: catabolism and anabolism. When discussing metabolism, envisioning it as a metabolic coin with two sides helps in understanding its nature.

Catabolism: The Energy-Releasing Processes

During catabolism, large organic molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are broken down into smaller units. This breakdown liberates energy, some of which is captured in the form of ATP. This energy fuels various cellular activities.

Anabolism: The Constructive Phase

Anabolism is the flip side; it's the synthetic phase where the body uses energy to construct complex molecules like proteins from simple precursors. This process is vital for growth, repair, and maintaining cellular structures.

Understanding these two processes' complementary roles helps students appreciate how energy balance and resource allocation work within living organisms.

Biochemistry: The Study of Life's Molecular Foundation

Biochemistry is pivotal in deciphering the mysteries of life's fundamental processes at the molecular level. This discipline bridges biology and chemistry and provides insights into how cellular processes are orchestrated.

At the heart of biochemistry lies the study of various biomolecules, their properties, and the reactions they undergo. Of particular interest are enzymes, macromolecules that act as catalysts to accelerate biochemical reactions. Another key focus is on metabolic pathways, like catabolism and anabolism, and how they regulate and influence life's myriad functions from DNA replication to muscle contraction.

In the context of the respiratory pathway, biochemistry explores how molecules like glucose are oxidized to produce ATP, while also making building blocks for new cellular components. Such comprehensive knowledge is essential for students to understand diseases, devise therapeutic strategies, and explore the complexity of life's operations.