Metabolic pathways are a series of chemical reactions that occur within a cell to convert food into energy and building blocks for growth. These pathways involve enzymes, which are special proteins that speed up the reactions. For example, when we eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into simpler sugars through a metabolic pathway, providing energy for our bodies to function. There are two main types of metabolic pathways: catabolic and anabolic. Catabolic pathways break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy, while anabolic pathways use energy to build complex molecules from simpler ones. Together, these pathways help maintain the balance of energy and materials in living organisms.