A biochemical pathway is a series of interconnected chemical reactions that occur within a cell. These reactions are facilitated by enzymes, which are proteins that speed up the process. Each step in the pathway transforms a specific molecule into another, ultimately leading to the production of vital substances like ATP or glucose. Biochemical pathways are essential for various cellular functions, including metabolism, energy production, and the synthesis of biomolecules. They can be categorized into two main types: catabolic pathways, which break down molecules to release energy, and anabolic pathways, which build complex molecules from simpler ones.