Metabolite channeling[1] is the passing of the intermediary metabolic product of one enzyme directly to another enzyme or active site without its release into solution. When several consecutive enzymes of a metabolic pathway channel substrates between themselves,[2] this is called a metabolon.[3] Channeling can make a metabolic pathway more rapid and efficient than it would be if the enzymes were randomly distributed in the cytosol, or prevent the release of unstable intermediates.[4] It can also protect an intermediate from being consumed by competing reactions catalyzed by other enzymes.
^This is sometimes also called "substrate channeling", but that name is less specific.
^Srere, P. (1972). "Is there an organization of Krebs cycle enzymes in the mitochondrial matrix?". In Hanson, R. W.; Mehlman, P. (eds.). Energy Metabolism and the Regulation of Metabolic Processes in Mitochondria. New York: Academic Press. pp. 79–91. ISBN978-0124878501.