Resipratory pathway is believed to be a catabolic pathway. However, nature of TCA cycle is amphibolic. Explain.

Explanation

Living cells obtain energy through respiration. It is the process of generating energy in the from of ATP molecules by breaking down food molecules like glucose, fats etc.
The process starts with glycolysis which occurs in cytoplalsm producing pyruvic acid. It is then converted to actelyl Co-A which enters mitochondrial matrix. This intiates the tricarboxylic acid cycle

This cycle is said to be amphibolic because many intermediate compounds formed in this cycle act as precursors for biosynthesis of many important bioligical molecules, i.e., co-enzymes, vitamins hormones, Besides this, many molecules, i.e., fatty acids, aminoacids, co-enzymes etc. can enter this cycle directly
Acetyl Co-A is releated to synthesis and breakdown of fatty, acids, steroids, carotenoids terpenes and aromatic compounds. `alpha` ketoglutrate and oxaloacetate are now materials for synthesis fo amino acids like glutamate and asparate and also pyrimidnes and alkaloids. Succinyl froms pyrrole compounds like cytochrome and chlorophyll.
So, it is the cycle where both breakdown and synthesis reactions keep on going simultaneously. the following figure shows interrelationship among netabolic pathway showing respiration mediated break down of different organic molecule.