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METABOLIC CHAIN, METABOLIC FATE

The process of gradual transformations of some initial product X_i, which results in formation of a certain product X_o, is called metabolic chain X_i → X_o :

X_i → X₁→ X₂→ X₃ → X_o, where X_i is the initial product, X₁, X₂, X₃ are metabolites-intermediates, X_o is the product.

All metabolic fates can be divided into anabolic and catabolic. Metabolic chain, which consists of reactions taking place within one and the same system, is called inner. Metabolic chain, whose reactions proceed in different systems, is called intersystem.

One and the same substance can participate in various transformations. In such cases intercrossing of different metabolic chains takes place. As the result of such intercrossing, the metabolic network of a biological system appears. The metabolic network constitutes partial or complete assembly of metabolic chains of the considered biological object, that is, a cell, an organ, an organism, a biocenosis, etc.