Learn Glossary metabolism

Pentose phosphate pathway

Pathway that metabolizes glucose-6-phosphate to pentose phosphate, producing NADPH.

Also: HMP shunt, Hexose monophosphate shunt

Cytosolic pathway with oxidative (NADPH-generating) and nonoxidative (ribose-5-phosphate generating) branches. Supplies reducing power for biosynthesis, antioxidant defense (glutathione regeneration), and nucleotide synthesis.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper)Glossary

    Cytosolic pathway with oxidative (NADPH-generating) and nonoxidative (ribose-5-phosphate generating) branches. Supplies reducing power for biosynthesis, antioxidant defense (glutathione regeneration), and nucleotide synthesis.

Related terms

Glycolysis, Hexose monophosphate shunt