catabolikus

Catabolikus refers to a process or pathway involved in catabolism, the metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler compounds to generate energy or synthesize essential biomolecules. The term is often used in biochemistry and physiology to describe reactions that degrade organic substances, typically releasing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

In cellular respiration, catabolikus processes include glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and the electron transport chain. Glycolysis breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH. The citric acid cycle further oxidizes acetyl-CoA derivatives, generating additional ATP, NADH, and FADH₂. These reduced coenzymes donate electrons to the electron transport chain, driving ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation.

Catabolikus reactions also occur in lipid and protein metabolism. Lipids are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, which enter the citric acid cycle or are converted into acetyl-CoA. Proteins are hydrolyzed into amino acids, some of which can be converted into intermediates of central metabolic pathways, such as pyruvate or acetyl-CoA.

The term is distinct from anabolism, which involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler precursors. While catabolikus processes primarily serve energy production, they also provide precursors for biosynthetic pathways. Dysregulation in catabolikus metabolism can lead to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or mitochondrial diseases, affecting energy balance and cellular function.