Metabolites are the chemical compounds which take part in the process of metabolism. Metabolism involves discrete pathways which proceed in a stepwise manner and transform substrate to end product.

Metabolism involves the generation of energy and synthesis of biological molecules. It can follow several paths like a spiral pathway for fatty acid synthesis, the linear pathway for glycolysis, and cyclic pathway for the citric acid cycle.

Anabolic pathway involves the synthesis of compounds, and it is endergonic in nature. This pathway works just opposite to catabolic pathway where molecules are broken down. Amphibolic is a combination of both anabolic and catabolic pathway.

Amphibolic pathway combines both anabolic and catabolic pathway, it acts as a link or ‘crossroad’ between the two pathways. The amphibolic pathway can be seen in the citric acid cycle.

Each one of them has first committed step is incorrect as the metabolic pathway can follow both oxidation and reduction. Metabolic pathways are irreversible, regulated and have first committed step in each pathway.