Question

What is pentose phosphate pathway? Mention its significance?

Answer 1

The pentose phosphate pathway is a metabolic pathway parallel to glycolysis. It generates NADPH and pentoses as well as ribose 5-phosphate, the last one a precursor for the synthesis of nucleotides. While it does involve oxidation of glucose, its primary role is anabolic rather than catabolic. 

Answer 2

The pentose phosphate pathway takes place in the cytosol of the cell, the same location as glycolysis. The two most important products from this process are the ribose-5-phosphatesugar used to make DNA and RNA, and the NADPH molecules which help with building other molecules.