Phosphoglyceric

Phosphoglyceric refers to a class of organic compounds that are esters of phosphoric acid and glyceric acid. Glyceric acid is a three-carbon sugar acid that can exist in three isomeric forms, depending on the position of the hydroxyl group. Phosphoglyceric acid therefore also exists in various forms, typically denoted as 1-phosphoglyceric acid or 2-phosphoglyceric acid.

These molecules play important roles in biological pathways, most notably in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. In glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose for energy, 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate is an intermediate formed from 3-phosphoglycerate. This high-energy phosphate compound is then used to generate ATP, the cell's primary energy currency. Conversely, in the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis, 3-phosphoglycerate is a key product of carbon fixation. It is then converted into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a precursor for the synthesis of sugars.

The presence and metabolism of phosphoglycerates are fundamental to energy production and carbon assimilation in a vast range of organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals. Their chemical structure, featuring both a phosphate group and a carboxylic acid group attached to a glycerol backbone, makes them versatile participants in enzymatic reactions.