Question

Why is tca cycle considered to be the central metabolic pathway?

Answer 1

The TCA cycle is the final common pathway for the oxidation of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein because glucose, fatty acids, and most amino acids are metabolized to acetyl-CoA or intermediates of the cycle. It also has a central role in gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and interconversion of amino acids.

It is also considered to be the "central hub of metabolism". This is because, as most of the absorbed nutrients, the fuel molecules are oxidized ultimately within the Krebs Cycke and its intermediates are used for various biosynthetic pathways.