The property of organisms to integrate catabolic and anabolic pathways to improve cell efficiency is called
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is cellular respiration or metabolic integration.
Explanation:
The ability of organisms to integrate catabolic and anabolic pathways to improve cellular efficiency is a hallmark of metabolic regulation. Cellular metabolism consists of two main processes: catabolism, where larger molecules are broken down into smaller ones, and anabolism, where smaller molecules are built into larger, more complex structures. These two processes are interconnected and carefully regulated to maintain energy balance and support cellular functions.
Catabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, break down nutrients like glucose, fatty acids, and proteins to produce ATP, the primary energy carrier of cells. The products of these breakdown processes, such as pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, and NADH, are often used in anabolic pathways, like protein synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, and fat storage. This integration ensures that cells use energy efficiently and can switch between energy production and storage as needed.
For example, during times of energy scarcity, catabolic processes are upregulated to produce ATP, while anabolic pathways may be downregulated. Conversely, when nutrients are abundant, anabolic pathways become more active, storing excess energy in the form of glycogen or lipids.
Moreover, regulatory molecules like hormones (insulin, glucagon) and enzymes (AMPK, mTOR) play critical roles in balancing these pathways. They activate or inhibit specific enzymes based on the cell’s energy needs. This integration of catabolism and anabolism helps maintain homeostasis, ensuring that cells are neither starved for energy nor overloaded with waste products.
In summary, the integration of catabolic and anabolic pathways is vital for maintaining energy balance, supporting cell growth and function, and ensuring efficient use of resources. It allows cells to adapt to changing environmental conditions while optimizing metabolic processes.