Which of the following is amphibolic -

Options

A. Glycolysis
B. Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate
C. TCA cycle
D. Oxidative phosphorylation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Amphibolic Pathways**:
- An amphibolic pathway is one that involves both catabolic (breaking down molecules) and anabolic (building up molecules) processes.

2. **Identifying the Options**:
- The options given are:
- Glycolysis
- Oxidative Dicarboxylation of Pyruvate
- TCA Cycle
- Oxidative Phosphorylation

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Glycolysis**: This process converts glucose into pyruvate. It primarily functions as a catabolic pathway, breaking down glucose, and does not involve significant anabolic processes.
- **Oxidative Dicarboxylation of Pyruvate**: This step converts pyruvate into acetyl-CoA and is primarily catabolic, as it breaks down pyruvate into smaller molecules.
- **Oxidative Phosphorylation**: This process involves the breakdown of NADH to produce ATP. It is also a catabolic pathway, focusing on energy production rather than building molecules.
- **TCA Cycle (Krebs Cycle)**: This cycle involves the breakdown of acetyl-CoA into carbon dioxide and water, but it also produces intermediates that can be used in anabolic pathways (like amino acid synthesis and fatty acid synthesis). Thus, it incorporates both catabolic and anabolic functions.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Among the options, the TCA Cycle is the only pathway that exhibits both catabolic and anabolic characteristics, making it the amphibolic pathway.

**Final Answer**: The TCA Cycle is amphibolic.

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