Glucose-6-phosphate is a phosphorylated derivative of glucose and plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. It is formed by the phosphorylation of glucose during the first step of glycolysis, catalyzed by the enzyme hexokinase or glucokinase. This compound acts as a key intermediate that can enter various metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway, influencing energy production and biosynthesis within the cell.
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