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6-phosphogluconate
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6-phosphogluconate

chemical compound
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Quick Summary

6-phosphogluconate is a chemical compound that plays a role in the phosphogluconate pathway, also known as the pentose phosphate cycle. This pathway is an alternative route for glucose catabolism, meaning how cells break down glucose for energy.1

In this pathway, glucose 6-phosphate is oxidized, and 6-phosphogluconate is formed. This process involves the transfer of electrons to NADP+, a coenzyme. 6-phosphogluconate is then further oxidized, producing ribulose 5-phosphate and carbon dioxide. The primary function of this pathway in most cells is to generate reducing power in the form of reduced NADP+, which is important for the biosynthesis of fatty acids and other fatty substances. It also produces pentoses, which are used in the synthesis of nucleic acids.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. metabolism - The phosphogluconate pathway
  2. glucose-6-phosphate
  3. metabolism - Hydrolysis of fructose 1,6-diphosphate and glucose 6-phosphate

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