Question
Which of the following represents the primary function of the pentose phosphate pathway in erythrocytes:
| A. |
Production of NADPH
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| B. |
Production of Ribose-5-phosphate
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| C. |
Remodeling of dietary carbon atoms into 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate
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| D. |
Synthesis of ATP
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Show Answer
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Correct Answer » A
Explanation
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The primary function of the pentose phosphate pathway in erythrocytes is the production of NADPH. This pathway is crucial for generating reducing equivalents in the form of NADPH, which are essential for maintaining the redox balance and protecting against oxidative stress in erythrocytes.
Production of Ribose-5-phosphate is not the primary function of the pentose phosphate pathway in erythrocytes. While this pathway does produce Ribose-5-phosphate, its primary role is the generation of NADPH.
Remodeling of dietary carbon atoms into 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate is not the primary function of the pentose phosphate pathway in erythrocytes. This pathway primarily functions to produce NADPH.
Synthesis of ATP is not the primary function of the pentose phosphate pathway in erythrocytes. The main purpose of this pathway is the production of NADPH.
