Biochemical pathways play a crucial role in metabolism, as they consist of a series of chemical reactions that convert substrates into products essential for cellular functions. These pathways facilitate the breakdown of nutrients to release energy, synthesize necessary compounds, and regulate cellular activities. For instance, glycolysis and the citric acid cycle are key pathways in energy production. Metabolic pathways are tightly regulated to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes, making them critical for the overall functioning, growth, and survival of living organisms.