6-Phosphogluconolactone

6-Phosphogluconolactone is a biochemical compound involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, a metabolic pathway parallel to glycolysis. It is an ester formed from glucose 6-phosphate and is an intermediate in the oxidative decarboxylation of glucose.

Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]

6-Phosphogluconolactone is a six-carbon compound with a lactone ring. It is a derivative of glucose, with a phosphate group at the 6th carbon and a lactone ring formed between the 1st and 5th carbons. The compound is highly polar due to the presence of the phosphate group and the lactone ring, which also makes it highly reactive.

Role in Pentose Phosphate Pathway[edit | edit source]

In the pentose phosphate pathway, 6-phosphogluconolactone is formed from glucose 6-phosphate by the enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. This is an oxidative reaction, which also produces a molecule of NADPH. The 6-phosphogluconolactone is then hydrolyzed to 6-phosphogluconate by the enzyme lactonase.

The pentose phosphate pathway is a crucial metabolic pathway that provides cells with NADPH and ribose 5-phosphate, which are essential for fatty acid synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, and the detoxification of reactive oxygen species.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Deficiency in the enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the formation of 6-phosphogluconolactone, can lead to a condition known as glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. This is a genetic disorder that can cause episodes of hemolytic anemia when the person is exposed to certain medications, foods, or infections.