Learning objectives

By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

1. Describe the catabolism of lipids, including β-oxidation of fatty acids.
2. Explain protein degradation and amino acid catabolism.
3. Understand the breakdown of aromatic compounds in microbial metabolism.
4. Identify the entry points of various catabolic products into central metabolic pathways (glycolysis, TCA cycle).
5. Compare energy yields from carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.