Metabolic pathways and cycles

The chemical changes that occur in the cells of living organisms may be described in terms of a complex network of metabolic pathways and cycles through which the cells are able to maintain their identity, to grow and to reproduce. In plant-like organisms these pathways include the synthesis of cellular components using sunlight. Such components, when digested by animals through other pathways, permit them to synthesize their own cellular components (anabolism), or to yield energy for life processes through catabolic backdown of the latter. In this extensive network of reactions, one reaction sequence may be repeatedly linked to another through chemical intermediaries that are common to both. Some vitally important reaction pathways form distinct cycles of intermediaries (e.g. Krebs or citric acid cycle, Calvin cycle, glyoxylate cycle, urea cycle), each cycle having particular functions. The network of reactions is maintained in a steady state conferring upon the cell a chemical resilience upon which its survival in a changing environment may depend.

The changes that occur in individuals and groups within society may be described in terms of a complex network of processes and cycles through which both are able to maintain their identity, to grow and to reproduce. For some these processes include the formulation of new patterns purely through spontaneous action or creative thinking. Such patterns when absorbed by groups through various processes, enable them to use the patterns as a basis for formulating larger patterns or as a means of yielding energy for action in society by their destructive fragmentation. In this extensive network of processes, one psycho-social process may be repeatedly linked to another through intermediary conditions that are common to both. Some vitally important processes form distinct cycles of intermediary conditions (e.g. production cycle, challenge and response cycle, etc), each cycle having particular functions. The network of processes is maintained in a steady state conferring upon the social organism a resilience upon which its survival in a changing environment may depend.

The ability to interrelate the full range of known metabolic pathways and cycles on one map covering both plant and animal species even though many processes still remain to be identified.

There is some recognition of the need for a healthy 'social metabolism'. Different disciplines recognize the psycho-social processes and cycles to which they are sensitive. Efforts at interlinking these processes are either highly schematic with few elements or else highly detailed as in specialized economic models.

Types of processes and cycles. Metabolic diseases.