Final answer:
Metabolic pathways are series of biochemical reactions that convert substrate molecules into products through the catalytic action of enzymes. They involve both anabolic and catabolic pathways and require energy for the assembly of large molecules. ATP, NAD+, FAD, and CoA are among the principal compounds involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metabolic pathways are series of biochemical reactions that convert substrate molecules into products. Enzymes play a crucial role in catalyzing these reactions. In the pathway, small molecules are assembled into large ones, requiring energy. Anabolic pathways are the pathways that build more complex molecules, while catabolic pathways break down complex molecules into simpler ones. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and coenzyme A (CoA) are the principal compounds involved in these pathways. Enzymes, such as hexokinase and phosphofructokinase, catalyze specific reactions in these pathways.