Which series of reactions is involved in carbohydrate metabolism?

The series of reactions involved in carbohydrate metabolism primarily includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), and the electron transport system.

Glycolysis is the initial step in carbohydrate metabolism, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate, releasing a small amount of energy in the form of ATP and NADH. This process takes place in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen, making it fundamental to both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.

Following glycolysis, if oxygen is present, pyruvate enters the mitochondria and is further processed in the citric acid cycle. This cycle generates additional NADH and FADH2, which carry electrons to the electron transport system. The electron transport system is the final stage, occurring in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the electrons from NADH and FADH2 are transferred through a series of proteins, ultimately leading to the production of a significant amount of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

This combination of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport system effectively describes the pathway of carbohydrate metabolism, highlighting how carbohydrates are converted into energy for cellular functions.