Final answer:
Each reaction in a metabolic pathway is catalyzed by an enzyme. Specific pathways utilize intermediates to convert substrates into end products in designated cell locations. Metabolism consists of anabolic and catabolic reactions, requiring or releasing energy respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Each reaction in a metabolic pathway is catalyzed by an enzyme. Pathways are usually confined to specific cell locations and convert substrates into end products via a series of intermediates. Anabolic pathways involve small molecules being assembled into larger ones and require energy, whereas catabolic pathways involve the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.
Enzymes are crucial proteins that catalyze all types of biological reactions, including those that require and release energy. The regulation of these pathways is often controlled through feedback inhibition, where the end product of the pathway can inhibit an earlier step, maintaining balance within the cell. Overall, metabolism is composed of both anabolic and catabolic processes.