Question

Would you describe metabolic pathways as inherently wasteful or inherently economical? Justify your answer by explaining why you chose it.

a) Inherently wasteful, as they consume excessive energy.
b) Inherently economical, as they optimize energy utilization.
c) Both wasteful and economical, depending on the organism.
d) None of the above.

Answer 1

Metabolic pathways are inherently economical as they optimize energy utilization through sequential biochemical reactions and the presence of anaplerotic reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Metabolic pathways can be described as inherently economical, as they optimize energy utilization. These pathways involve a series of sequential biochemical reactions that convert substrate molecules step-by-step, through metabolic intermediates, to yield final products. Anabolic pathways require energy to build more complex molecules, while catabolic pathways produce energy by breaking down larger molecules. The presence of anaplerotic reactions in metabolic pathways replenishes intermediates, further optimizing energy utilization.