Chapter 20: The calvin cycle and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway

Question 1

What is the function of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway?

Answer 1

To generate NADPH and Synthesize 5 carbon sugars.

Question 2

Which Pathways require NADPH?

Answer 2

Synthesis Pathways:
1) Fatty acid biosynthesis
2) Cholesterol biosynthesis
3) Neurotransmitter biosynthesis
4) Nucleotide biosynthesis
Detoxification pathways:
1) Reduction of oxidized glutathione
2) Cytochrome P450 monooxigenases.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the calvin cycle? What other name is it known by?

Answer 3

Also known as the dark reactions of photosynthesis.
Use the ATP and NADPH produced by the light reactions to reduce carbon atoms from fully oxidized state as CO2 to a reduced state as a hexose.

Question 4

Which tissues in the body have active pentose phosphate pathways and what is their function?

Answer 4

1) Adrenal gland - steroid synthesis
2) Liver - Fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis
3) Testes - Steroid synthesis
4) Adipose tissue - Fatty Acid Synthesis
5) Ovary - steroid synthesis
6) Mammary gland - Fatty Acid Synthesis
7) Red Blood cells - Maintenance of reduced glutathione