Pentose phosphate pathway
Pentose Phosphate Pathway
The Pentose Phosphate Pathway (Pronunciation: pen-tōs fäs-fāt pāth-wā, from the Greek pentos meaning five, and phosphate from the Greek phosphoros meaning light-bringer) is a metabolic pathway parallel to glycolysis. It generates NADPH and pentoses (5-carbon sugars) as well as ribose 5-phosphate, the latter a precursor for the synthesis of nucleotides.
Function
While the pentose phosphate pathway does involve the oxidation of glucose, its primary role is anabolic rather than catabolic. The pathway is one of the main ways of generating NADPH, which plays a crucial role in protecting the cell from reactive oxygen species and is also used in reductive biosynthesis reactions within cells (e.g., fatty acid synthesis).
Process
The pentose phosphate pathway consists of two distinct phases: the oxidative phase and the non-oxidative phase. The oxidative phase involves the oxidation of glucose-6-phosphate to ribulose 5-phosphate, accompanied by the generation of two molecules of NADPH. The non-oxidative phase involves the rearrangement of carbon atoms of ribulose 5-phosphate to form other sugars, including ribose 5-phosphate, a precursor for the synthesis of nucleotides.
Related Terms
- Glycolysis: The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy and producing ATP in the process.
- NADPH: A cofactor used in anabolic reactions, such as lipid and nucleic acid synthesis, which require NADPH as a reducing agent.
- Reactive Oxygen Species: Chemically reactive chemical species containing oxygen, which can cause damage to cells.
- Nucleotides: Organic molecules that serve as the monomers, or subunits, of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pentose phosphate pathway
- Wikipedia's article - Pentose phosphate pathway
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