In the pentose phosphate shunt, glucose 6-phosphate is oxidized to 6-phosphogluconate, which is then decarboxylated to ribulose 5-phosphate. What is the main metabolic role of this pathway?

Respuesta :

The main metabolic role of this pathway is the production of NADPH.

We can arrive at this answer because:

  • All metabolic pathways have very important biological roles within an organism.
  • These pathways are formed by a series of reactions that transform a molecule into another essential molecule for the body, usually an energetic molecule or a carbonic compound.
  • In the case of the pentose phosphate pathway, the main role is to supply NADPH molecules to the body, which is a very energetic molecule that serves as a hydrogen donor coenzyme in other metabolic pathways.

In addition, pentose phosphate shunt is a blood glucose regulatory pathway that is essential for the proper functioning of the body.

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Answer:

1) Pentose phosphate shunt mainly provides NADPH to the body.

2) It also produces ribose 5-phosphate, which is needed for nucleotide biosynthesis.

Explanation:

1) Pentose phosphate shunt provides NADPH to the body which has the following important uses in the body:

  • NADPH is required for the reductive biosynthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and steroid hormones.
  • NADPH is also required for Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. NO causes vasodilation and also acts as a neurotransmitter.
  • NADPH is also required in the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system which is involved in drug metabolism in the body.                              
  • Pentose phosphate shunt is the only way through which red blood cells (RBCs) get their NADPH. This NADPH protects RBCs from reactive oxygen species.

2) This pathway also provides ribose 5-phosphate, which is produced during this pathway. This ribose 5-phosphate then goes to the pathways involved in nucleotide biosynthesis.