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glucose 6-phosphate

chemical compound

Quick Summary

Glucose 6-phosphate is a chemical compound that plays a crucial role in metabolism. It is an ester formed from glucose and ATP, representing an essential early stage in how the body processes glucose.1

This compound is involved in several metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, where glucose is broken down to produce energy. It can also be converted into other sugars, such as fructose 6-phosphate, and is a precursor for storing energy in forms like starch and glycogen. In vertebrates, glucose 6-phosphate is converted back to glucose, primarily in the liver, to maintain blood glucose levels. Additionally, it is a starting point for the phosphogluconate pathway, which generates reducing power for biosynthesis and produces pentoses needed for nucleic acid synthesis.234

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