MetNet is an iPhone app that shows an interactive network of human metabolism, including key enzymes, intermediates, and hormonal influences. MetNet currently contains catabolic and anabolic pathways in glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, lipogenesis, TCA cycle, glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, ketogenesis, ketolysis, and cholesterol metabolism. At MetNet, we really wanted to emphasize the interdependence of many different metabolic pathways. So whether you're a biochemistry student doing homework, a medical student preparing for exams, a researcher studying metabolic pathways, or just curious about the processes that give our bodies energy, we really hope you enjoy the app!
MetNet is available for iOS and can be downloaded for free from the iPhone App Store. Once inside the app, to learn more about a specific metabolic compound, tap its green box. Tap on any arrow to learn about the enzyme that catalyzes that metabolic conversion and its hormonal influences.
To view subnetworks (for example, a network with only glycogen metabolism), tap the info button in the bottom-left corner. Use the below legend to determine the significance of the box and arrow coloring:
- A gray box represents a compound in the subnetwork
- A blue box represents a compound outside of the current subnetwork
- A gray, double-headed arrow represents a reversible reaction
- A gray, singled-headed arrow represents an irreversible reaction
- A red, doubled-headed or single-headed arrow represents the rate-determining step in a pathway
- An orange arrow represents insulin's hormonal influence
- A blue arrow represents glucagon's hormonal influence
- A yellow arrow represents the hormonal influence of dropping insulin levels
- A hormonal arrow with a triangular head implies that the hormone activates the enzyme that it points to
- A hormonal arrow with a circular head implies that the hormone inhibits the enzyme that it points to
If you are interested in using MetNet as a teaching tool in your classroom, please contact us here. We will do everything we can to facilitate the process!
MetNet shows key metabolic intermediates attached by enzymatic arrows:
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