Oxidative breakdown of glucose can occur in certain mammalian cells by mechanisms other than classic glycolysis. In most of these cells, G6P is oxidized to 6-phosphogluconate. Which of the following represents the next intermediate in this alternative glucose oxidation pathway?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxidative breakdown of glucose via the pentose phosphate pathway involves the decarboxylation of 6-phosphogluconate to produce ribulose-5-phosphate, an aldopentose.  The next reaction in the PPP, catalyzed by 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, oxidatively decarboxylates 6-phosphogluconate to the 5-carbon aldose sugar, ribulose 5-phopshate.

Oxidative Breakdown of Glucose Can Occur in Certain Mammalian Cells