Pentose phosphate pathway

Pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), also known as phosphogluconate pathway or hexose monophosphate shunt, 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 oxidation of glucose, its primary role is anabolic rather than catabolic. The pathway is one of the main ways of generating NADPH in cells.

Steps

The pentose phosphate pathway consists of two distinct phases:

1. The oxidative phase, which is irreversible.
2. The non-oxidative synthesis of 5-carbon sugars.

Oxidative phase

This phase involves the oxidation of glucose-6-phosphate, producing NADPH.

Non-oxidative synthesis of 5-carbon sugars

This phase involves the rearrangement of carbon atoms of the intermediates to end up with the 5-carbon sugar ribose-5-phosphate.

Clinical significance

Deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme of the pathway, can cause hemolytic anemia.

See also

• Glycolysis
• NADPH
• Pentose
• Nucleotide

References

Pentose phosphate pathway Resources
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