Pentose phosphate pathway

Definition

The pentose phosphate pathway is a metabolic process parallel to glycolysis that generates NADPH and pentoses. It plays a crucial role in anabolic reactions and cellular defense against oxidative stress.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pentose phosphate pathway occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.
2. It produces NADPH, which is essential for biosynthetic reactions and antioxidant defense.
3. The pathway has two phases: an oxidative phase that generates NADPH and a non-oxidative phase that produces ribose-5-phosphate.
4. Ribose-5-phosphate is critical for nucleotide synthesis.
5. The pathway can operate independently of glycolysis or feed intermediates into it.

Review Questions

• What are the primary products of the pentose phosphate pathway?
• How does the pentose phosphate pathway contribute to antioxidant defense?
• Which cellular location does the pentose phosphate pathway take place?

Related terms

Glycolysis:

A metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating ATP.

NADPH:

A coenzyme involved in anabolic reactions and protection against oxidative damage.

Ribose-5-phosphate: A sugar produced in the pentose phosphate pathway used for nucleotide synthesis.