Question

The first steps of catabolism generally take place in the

Answer 1

The initial steps of catabolism start in the digestive system, where enzymes like salivary α-amylase break down food. This leads to glycolysis in the cytoplasm, which further processes glucose into energy-carrying molecules like ATP.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first steps of catabolism generally occur during the digestive process, where food molecules are broken down into smaller ones that can be transported from the digestive system to the bloodstream. Specifically, carbohydrates begin to digest in the mouth where salivary α-amylase breaks down starch into simpler sugars. This process of digestion, the initial stage of catabolism, involves various enzymes that act to hydrolyze food into monosaccharides (from carbohydrates), fatty acids and mono- or di-glycerides (from fats), and amino acids (from proteins).

Following digestion, the metabolic pathway of glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm. Glycolysis, the first stage of cellular respiration, involves a series of enzymatic reactions that transform glucose into pyruvate, generating energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Answer 2

The first steps of catabolism generally take place in the cytosol.

Glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway are metabolic process that occurs inside of the cytosol. Other catabolic processes such as the citric acid cycle, electron transport chain, and oxidative phosphorylation all take place in the mitochondrial membrane.