Salmonella enterica balances energy metabolism and carbon assimilation through its central carbon metabolism pathway. This pathway includes glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Glycolysis breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and reducing power in the form of NADH. The pentose phosphate pathway generates NADPH, which is used for biosynthesis and oxidative stress defense. The tricarboxylic acid cycle utilizes pyruvate and other intermediates to produce more ATP and NADH.
S. enterica also uses carbon assimilation pathways, such as the Calvin-Benson cycle, to fix carbon dioxide and produce organic compounds. The energy and carbon sources are regulated by the availability of nutrients and the needs of the bacteria. S. enterica can use aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, or fermentation, depending on the oxygen levels and the electron acceptors present. Overall, S. enterica balances energy metabolism and carbon assimilation to maintain cellular homeostasis in different environments.