Glütserol3fosfat

Glütserol3fosfat also known as glycerol-3-phosphate or alpha-glycerophosphoric acid is a vital molecule in cellular metabolism. It is an intermediate in both the synthesis and breakdown of lipids and carbohydrates. The molecule is formed from glycerol by the addition of a phosphate group at the third carbon atom. In its role in lipid metabolism glütserol3fosfat is a precursor to phospholipids which are essential components of cell membranes and triglycerides which serve as energy storage molecules. It is also involved in the formation of cardiolipin a phospholipid unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane.

During glycolysis the breakdown of glucose for energy glütserol3fosfat is generated from dihydroxyacetone phosphate. This conversion allows for the entry of glycerol derived from the breakdown of fats into the glycolytic pathway. Conversely in gluconeogenesis the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors glütserol3fosfat can be produced from glycerol and then converted back to dihydroxyacetone phosphate to enter the pathway. The enzyme glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase plays a key role in catalyzing the interconversion between dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glütserol3fosfat. This molecule is thus a crucial link between carbohydrate and lipid metabolism facilitating the efficient utilization and storage of energy within the cell.