Pentose Phosphate Pathway

Question 1

What is the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP)?

Answer 1

diverts glucose-6-phosphate from glycolysis in order to form NADPH, ribose-5-phosphate, and glycolytic intermediates

Question 2

Where does the pentose phosphate pathway take place?

Answer 2

cytoplasm

Question 3

What phases comprise the pentose phosphate pathway and which products are made during each?

Answer 3

irreversible oxidative phase = NADPH and ribose-5-P
non-oxidative phase = glycolytic intermediates

Question 4

What is the purpose of NADPH?

Answer 4

reducing agent in many anabolic pathways, most importantly fatty acid synthesis, and aids in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species

Question 5

What is the purpose of ribose-5-P?

Answer 5

synthesizes nucleotides

Question 6

What is the first enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway and what is unique about it?

Answer 6

glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH)
point of regulation for the pathway via feedback inhibition by NADPH