Metabolic Pathways Explained

Acetyl CoA serves as a crucial intersection in metabolism, linking the breakdown of lipids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. While it primarily fuels energy production through the citric acid cycle, there are times when the body needs to utilize its carbon for building essential macromolecules instead. This shift from catabolism to anabolism highlights the versatility of Acetyl CoA in supporting both energy extraction and the synthesis of complex structures.