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3-phosphoglyceric acid

chemical compound
Also known as: PGA

Quick Summary

3-phosphoglyceric acid (3-PGA) is an organic compound that plays a crucial role as an intermediate in both photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. It is formed during photosynthesis when carbon dioxide is incorporated into a five-carbon sugar, leading to the synthesis of 3-PGA. This compound is a precursor for the creation of starch and other plant polysaccharides.12

In the Calvin-Benson cycle, a key part of photosynthesis, 3-PGA is converted into other sugar phosphates using the energy from ATP and NADPH. It is also involved in glycolysis, a process that breaks down glucose for energy. A related compound, diphosphoglyceric acid, is also an important intermediate in photosynthesis and glycolysis.345

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