Carbohydrate catabolism

Carbohydrate Catabolism

Carbohydrate catabolism (pronunciation: /ˌkɑːrboʊˈhaɪdreɪt kəˈtæbəˌlɪzəm/) is the process by which carbohydrate molecules are broken down into simpler compounds to release energy. This process is a part of the larger metabolic pathways in the body.

Etymology

The term "carbohydrate catabolism" is derived from the Greek words "kata" meaning "down" and "ballein" meaning "to throw". This refers to the breaking down of complex molecules into simpler ones. "Carbohydrate" comes from the Greek "saccharon" (sugar) and "hydor" (water), indicating a compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Process

Carbohydrate catabolism begins with glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose, a simple carbohydrate, into pyruvate. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and produces a small amount of energy. The pyruvate is then transported into the mitochondria, where it undergoes further breakdown in the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle). This process produces a large amount of energy, which is stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Related Terms

• Glycolysis
• Krebs cycle
• Metabolism
• Adenosine triphosphate
• Pyruvate
• Mitochondria
• Cytoplasm

See Also

• Protein catabolism
• Lipid catabolism
• Anabolism

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Carbohydrate catabolism
• Wikipedia's article - Carbohydrate catabolism

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