BioChemical pathways
& Their Application in Biotechnology
Introduction: Biochemical Pathways
What are Biochemical Pathways?
A biochemical pathway is a rather specific sequence compromised of elements such as cells, genes, and proteins. The combination of these elements work to create rather intricate networks of communication and control that allows the organism to function on a daily basis. Biochemical pathways for instance can be responsible for turning a specific gene on or off. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
An example of a biochemical pathway map. Image Citation [1]
Another virtual representation of a molecule working within a biochemical pathway in the body. Video Citation [1]
Categories of Classification
The world of biochemical pathways does not simplfy from here, but only continues to grow more intricate and complex. However in an effort to organize them, these pathways are organized into three categories of classification: Metabolic Pathways, Signalling Networks, and Gene Expression Pathways.
Metabolic Pathways
What are Metabolic Pathways?
A metabolic pathway is a series of step by step chemical reactions that takes the initial substrate molecule through metabolic intermediates. This process is finally concluded with the final product or products. [3] [6] [7]
(Above) A representation of a metabolic pathway map. It shows the major cycles. Image Citation [2] (Right) A retrosynthetic representation of the metabolic pathway networks within E. Coli. Image Citation [3]
(Left) A gram-negative stain of the E. Coli bacteria. Its metabolic pathways are depicted in the image on the right. Image Citation [4]
The Body's Metabolism
The metabolism is referred to as the sum of all biochemical process that occur within a living organism to maintain life and allow the body to keep organs and cells working in optimal efficiency. [8] [9] [10] The biochemical processes that run the metabolism are organized into metabolic pathways. From here, the pathways are either: catabolic, anabolic, or amphibolic.
Catabolic Pathways
Anabolic Pathways
Amphibolic Pathways
(Above) The inside of the human body. Image Citation [5] (Right) A diagram depting Anabolic and Catabolic pathways. Image Citation [6]
It’s common knowledge that amino acids are the building blocks to creating various forms of proteins. What may not be as commonly known is that this process is referred to as anabolic. Anabolic pathways are a form of metabolic pathways that require energy to synthesize molecules.
Another type of metabolic pathways is catabolic pathways – also known as the complete opposite of anabolic pathways. Catabolic pathways actually create energy by breaking down larger and more complex molecules into simpler ones.
Not as widely discussed is the amphibolic pathway. One may believe that the processes that occur within an organism are either strictly catabolic or strictly anabolic. But this is actually not the case. Often times, these processes can intertwine and participate at the same time.
[6] [8] [11]
[6] [8] [11]
[12] [13]
Click on the scientist to the left to identify more examples of metabolic pathways ranging from the Citric Acid cycle to the TCA cycle!
Signalling Networks
What are Signalling Pathways?
In a signalling pathway, a series of molecules work together to control cell functions. Researchers, however, have proved that this process is much more complex than how it is described to be. To start off, a cell will produce a signal protein in the cell’s plasma membrane. Receptors on the cell will then detect the signal and relay to the appropriate region of the cell. [3] [14]
If you want a more in-depth explanation of the Signalling Pathway, then watch the video below!
Video Citation [2]
Click on the image above to discover more examples of Signalling Pathways!
An illustration of a Signalling Pathway Image Citation [14]
Gene Expression
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Click on the blue text under "Categories of Classification" to be taken to the section of the page pertaining to that word's information.