Is this map of metabolic pathways comprehensive or are there missing components?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comprehensiveness of a metabolic pathways map, specifically highlighting the Krebs cycle, also known as the TCA (TriCarboxylic Acid) cycle, as a core component of metabolism. Participants noted that the map is incomplete, lacking essential pathways such as photosynthesis and ascorbate synthesis, which indicates it primarily represents human cell metabolism. The graphic serves as a visual representation of the complexity of biological systems, but its limitations must be acknowledged for accurate biological understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Krebs cycle (TCA cycle) and its role in metabolism
  • Basic knowledge of metabolic pathways in biochemistry
  • Familiarity with photosynthesis and its significance in biological systems
  • Awareness of the differences in metabolic capabilities among various organisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the complete metabolic pathways involved in photosynthesis
  • Study the role of ascorbate synthesis in different organisms
  • Explore the concept of core metabolism and its evolutionary significance
  • Investigate the differences in metabolic pathways across species, including humans and dogs
USEFUL FOR

Biochemists, molecular biologists, and students studying metabolic processes will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the intricacies of metabolic pathways and their implications in various organisms.

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The circular part in the middle is the Krebs cycle or the TCA (TriCarboxylic Acid) cycle.
This has been also called core metabolism.

It is thought to have been the beginnings of metabolism before commonly recognized life. Parts or most of it are thought to be auto-catalytic, possibly with the aid of naturally occurring mineral catalysts.
Other pathways were elaborted from this core of metabolism.
 
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BWV said:
can get some idea of the complexity of biological systems from this graphic

https://faculty.cc.gatech.edu/~turk/bio_sim/articles/metabolic_pathways.png
I can't open it but my friend had a T shirt, I bet it is something like your link. He studied Biochemistry. Why would you do that? JUST Biochemistry?
The most interesting part of A level Biology but when I hit Uni I realized Biochemistry was a lot of stuff that did not stay in my head as well as some of the other modules!
 
As an undergrad, I took a lot of chemistry.
I considered it a lot less interesting with each successive class until I got to biochemistry and the chemistry being studied better matched up with (and helped to further understand) my biological interests.
 
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Fra said:
Awesome image!
Aren't we all sick and tired of slmple wallpapers? May o use it to print a wallpaper for my office? 🤣

/Fredrik
There used to be a poster-print handed out by Boehringer Mannheim (here in Europe). You night want to ask their follow-up company - Roche - whether they still have it. But... ...I frankly doubt they'll supply you with enough copies for your wallpapering project.

Nice thing to have in your office when you're a bichemist or molecular biologist, though.Also, this map is incomplete - photosynthesis is missing. So it's only a map of the animal / fungal / bacterial metabolism. Also - I only screened it - e,g, ascorbate synthesis also seems to be missing... ...so it's probably ohly the human cell metabolism (e.g. dogs synthesise ascorbate on their own)..
 

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