Triose phosphate

Triose phosphate is a type of phosphate that is integral to several biological processes. It is a molecule that contains three carbon atoms and one phosphate group, hence the name "triose" phosphate.

Structure and Properties

Triose phosphate is a monosaccharide, a simple sugar, with the chemical formula C3H7O6P. It is a chiral molecule, meaning it has a non-superimposable mirror image. The two forms of triose phosphate are glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P) and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP).

Biological Role

Triose phosphate plays a crucial role in several biological processes. It is a key intermediate in the glycolysis pathway, a metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate. The free energy released in this process is used to form the high-energy molecules ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

In photosynthesis, triose phosphate is a product of the Calvin cycle, where it is synthesized from carbon dioxide and water. It can then be used to generate glucose and other sugars.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the metabolism of triose phosphate can lead to various health conditions. For example, triosephosphate isomerase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that results from a mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme triosephosphate isomerase.

See Also

• Phosphate
• Glycolysis
• Calvin cycle
• Triosephosphate isomerase deficiency