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triose phosphate isomerase
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triose phosphate isomerase

enzyme
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Quick Summary

Triose phosphate isomerase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in glycolysis, the initial stage of cellular respiration where glucose is broken down. Specifically, it catalyzes the interconversion of two three-carbon sugar fragments: dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. This reaction is essential for the complete breakdown of glucose, as glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is the molecule that proceeds through the subsequent steps of glycolysis to produce energy in the form of ATP. Without triose phosphate isomerase, this vital pathway would be significantly hindered.12

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. metabolism - The aldolase reaction
  2. phosphofructokinase
  3. cellular respiration

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