Final answer:
The central metabolic pathways include both anabolic and catabolic reactions and occur in the cytosol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding the central metabolic pathways is that they include both anabolic and catabolic reactions. These pathways involve a series of chemical reactions that are interconnected and occur in the cells of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They play a crucial role in the breakdown and synthesis of molecules to generate energy and build complex molecules. The central metabolic pathways take place in the cytosol, which is the liquid part of the cytoplasm.