1. What is meant by statement that a pathway is amphibolic?

Amphi is dual, amphibolic is dual pathway. Anabolic and catabolic reactions are integrated
through a group of common intermediates. Both anabolic and catabolic reactions also share
some metabolic pathways. For example, Krebs Cycle is mainly a catabolic cycle, but with
some anabolic features. Part of Krebs Cycle is used for the synthesis of glucose from amino
acids. Such integrated metabolic pathways are referred to as amphibolic pathways.
Amphibolic means that the pathway is involved in both catabolism and anabolism.

2. What electron acceptors play a role in the TCA cycle?

NAD+ and FAD are the primary electron acceptors of the citric acid cycle.

3. What are the similarities and differences between the reactions catalyzed by pyruvate
dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase?

The reactions proceed by the same mechanism and use the same cofactors. The difference is
the initial substrate, which is pyruvate or α-ketoglutarate. During the reaction, pyruvate
dehydrogenase shuttles an acetyl unit through the reaction while α-ketoglutarate
dehydrogenase shuttles a succinyl unit.

4. Is the conversion of fumarate to malate a redox reaction? Give reason for your answer.

The conversion of fumarate to malate is a hydration reaction, not a redox reaction. The
conversion of fumarate to malate is catalysed fumarate hydratase.

5. Would you expect the TCA cycle to be more or less active when a cell has a high ATP/ADP
ratio and a high NADH/NAD+ ratio? Give the reason for your answer.

The citric acid cycle is less active when a cell has a high ATP/ADP ratio and a high
NADH/NAD+ ratio. Both ratios indicate a high “energy charge” in the cell, indicating less of a
need for the energy-releasing reactions of the citric acid cycle.