6-Phosphogluconic acid

6-Phosphogluconic Acid

Chemical structure of 6-phosphogluconic acid

3D space-filling model of 6-phosphogluconic acid anion

6-Phosphogluconic acid is a chemical compound that plays a crucial role in the pentose phosphate pathway, an important metabolic pathway parallel to glycolysis. It is an intermediate in the oxidative phase of this pathway, which is responsible for the generation of NADPH and the synthesis of ribose 5-phosphate.

Structure

6-Phosphogluconic acid is a carboxylic acid with a phosphate group attached to the sixth carbon of a glucose molecule. Its chemical formula is C_H__O__P. The molecule consists of a six-carbon sugar, gluconic acid, with a phosphate group esterified to the sixth carbon.

Function

In the pentose phosphate pathway, 6-phosphogluconic acid is formed from 6-phosphoglucono-_-lactone by the action of the enzyme 6-phosphogluconolactonase. It is then converted into ribulose 5-phosphate by the enzyme 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, which also produces NADPH from NADP_.

Biological Importance

The production of NADPH is vital for biosynthetic reactions, such as fatty acid synthesis and cholesterol synthesis, as well as for maintaining the redox balance in cells. NADPH is also essential for the function of glutathione reductase, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Related Compounds

• Gluconic acid
• Ribulose 5-phosphate
• NADPH
• 6-Phosphoglucono-_-lactone

Related Pages

• Pentose phosphate pathway
• Glycolysis
• Metabolism
• Enzyme

Gallery

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  Chemical structure of 6-phosphogluconic acid
• 
  3D space-filling model of 6-phosphogluconic acid anion

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  6-Phosphogluconic acid structure
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  6-Phosphogluconic acid anion 3D spacefill