glükoos6fosfaadiks

Glükoos6fosfaadiks is the Estonian term for glucose-6-phosphate. It is a vital molecule in cellular metabolism, serving as the first intermediate in glycolysis, the primary pathway for glucose breakdown to produce energy. Glucose-6-phosphate is formed when a phosphate group is added to glucose, a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme hexokinase in most tissues, and glucokinase in the liver and pancreas. This phosphorylation traps glucose within the cell, preventing its diffusion out. Beyond glycolysis, glucose-6-phosphate is also a precursor for the synthesis of glycogen, the storage form of glucose, and plays a crucial role in the pentose phosphate pathway, which generates NADPH and precursors for nucleotide biosynthesis. Deficiencies in the enzymes that process glucose-6-phosphate, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, can lead to various metabolic disorders, including hemolytic anemia. Its central position in carbohydrate metabolism makes it a key indicator of cellular energy status and metabolic health.