The Hexose Monophosphate (HMP) Shunt, also known as the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP), is a crucial metabolic pathway that operates parallel to glycolysis. It primarily functions in the cytoplasm of cells and plays a vital role in maintaining cellular health and metabolism. This pathway does not directly produce ATP but generates important products like NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate.
NADPH is a critical molecule used in reductive biosynthetic reactions, such as fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, and in maintaining the reduced state of glutathione, which protects cells from oxidative damage. Ribose-5-phosphate, another product of the HMP shunt, is essential for nucleotide and nucleic acid synthesis, making the pathway particularly significant in rapidly dividing cells like those in bone marrow, skin, and tumors.
Also See: Cells Of Immune System PPT
HMP Shunt Pathway PPT: Feature, Phases, Significance
The HMP shunt is divided into two phases: the oxidative phase and the non-oxidative phase. The oxidative phase produces NADPH and ribulose-5-phosphate, while the non-oxidative phase interconverts sugar phosphates to meet cellular demands for ribose-5-phosphate or glycolytic intermediates.
Also See: Cell Cycle PPT
This pathway is especially active in tissues with high biosynthetic activity, such as the liver, adipose tissue, and adrenal glands. Defects in the HMP shunt, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, can lead to hemolytic anemia due to the inability to detoxify reactive oxygen species.
In summary, the HMP shunt is a versatile and essential pathway that supports cellular biosynthesis, antioxidant defense, and energy metabolism, making it indispensable for cellular function.
Also See: Cell Division PPT
Table of Content for HMP Shunt Pathway PPT
- Introduction to the HMP Shunt
- Features of the HMP Shunt
- Phases of the HMP Shunt
- Oxidative Phase
- Non-Oxidative Phase
- Significance of HMP Shunt
- Clinical Significance of HMP Shunt
- Conclusion
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