Glucose-6-phosphate

Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) is a molecule that plays a vital role in both metabolism and cellular respiration. It is a glucose molecule that has been modified by the addition of a phosphate group, making it an important intermediate in the glycolysis pathway.

Structure

G6P is a six-carbon sugar molecule with a phosphate group attached to the sixth carbon. This structure allows it to be easily converted into other molecules, such as fructose-6-phosphate, during the process of glycolysis.

Role in Metabolism

In the body, G6P is created during the first step of glycolysis, when a glucose molecule is phosphorylated by the enzyme hexokinase. This process uses one molecule of ATP, converting it into ADP. The addition of the phosphate group traps the glucose molecule inside the cell, as the charged phosphate group prevents it from crossing the cell membrane.

G6P can then be used in several different metabolic pathways. It can be broken down to produce energy, converted into glycogen for storage, or used to produce NADPH and ribose sugars in the pentose phosphate pathway.

Role in Disease

Mutations in the genes that code for the enzymes that metabolize G6P can lead to several different diseases. For example, a deficiency in the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase can lead to G6PD deficiency, a condition that can cause hemolytic anemia.

See Also

• Glycolysis
• Pentose phosphate pathway
• G6PD deficiency
• Hexokinase

Glucose-6-phosphate Resources
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