Azúcarfosfatos

Azúcarfosfatos, also known as sugar phosphates or carbohydrate phosphates, are a class of organic compounds formed when a phosphate group is attached to a sugar molecule. These compounds play crucial roles in numerous biological processes, particularly in energy metabolism and biosynthesis. The phosphate group is typically esterified to a hydroxyl group on the sugar ring.

In living organisms, sugar phosphates are key intermediates in pathways like glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, where they facilitate the transfer of energy and the synthesis of glucose. For example, glucose-6-phosphate is the first phosphorylated sugar in glycolysis, trapping glucose within the cell and preparing it for further breakdown. Similarly, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is a critical regulatory intermediate in glycolysis.

Beyond energy metabolism, sugar phosphates are also involved in the synthesis of complex carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and other essential biomolecules. Their formation and interconversion are catalyzed by enzymes called kinases, which utilize adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the phosphate donor. The negatively charged phosphate group also often helps to anchor these molecules within cellular compartments.