In biochemistry, a metabolic pathway is a linked series of chemical
reactions occurring within a cell. The reactants, products, and intermediates
of an enzymatic reaction are known as metabolites, which are modified by a
sequence of chemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes.: 26 In most cases of a
metabolic pathway, the product of one enzyme acts as the substrate for the
next. However, side products are considered waste and removed from the cell.
These enzymes often require dietary minerals, vitamins, and other cofactors to
function.
Different metabolic pathways function in the position within a eukaryotic cell
and the significance of the pathway in the given compartment of the cell.