2-phosphoglycerate

Definition

2-phosphoglycerate is an important intermediate in the glycolysis pathway, which is the metabolic process that breaks down glucose to produce energy for the body. It is the sixth step in the 10-step glycolysis process and plays a crucial role in the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate, the penultimate step before the formation of pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 2-phosphoglycerate is the sixth intermediate in the 10-step glycolysis pathway, which occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.
2. The conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to 2-phosphoglycerate is catalyzed by the enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase.
3. 2-phosphoglycerate is then dehydrated by the enzyme enolase to form phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), the penultimate step in glycolysis.
4. The formation of PEP from 2-phosphoglycerate is an important energy-yielding step in glycolysis, as it produces one molecule of ATP.
5. Disruptions in the 2-phosphoglycerate step of glycolysis can lead to metabolic disorders, such as 2-phosphoglycerate dehydratase deficiency, which can cause lactic acidosis and neurological symptoms.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of 2-phosphoglycerate in the glycolysis pathway and its importance in energy production.
  • 2-phosphoglycerate is a key intermediate in the glycolysis pathway, which is the metabolic process that breaks down glucose to produce energy for the body. It is the sixth step in the 10-step glycolysis process and plays a crucial role in the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), the penultimate step before the formation of pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis. The conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to PEP, catalyzed by the enzyme enolase, is an important energy-yielding step in glycolysis, as it produces one molecule of ATP. This ATP can then be used by the cell for various energy-requiring processes, making 2-phosphoglycerate an essential component in the body's energy production.
• Describe the enzymatic reactions involved in the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to 2-phosphoglycerate, and explain the significance of this step in the glycolysis pathway.
  • The conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to 2-phosphoglycerate in the glycolysis pathway is catalyzed by the enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase. This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of the phosphate group from the 3-carbon position to the 2-carbon position, forming 2-phosphoglycerate. This step is significant because it prepares the molecule for the next step in glycolysis, where 2-phosphoglycerate is dehydrated by the enzyme enolase to form phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). The formation of PEP is an important energy-yielding step in glycolysis, as it produces one molecule of ATP. This ATP can then be used by the cell for various energy-requiring processes, making the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to 2-phosphoglycerate a crucial step in the body's energy production.
• Analyze the potential consequences of a disruption in the 2-phosphoglycerate step of the glycolysis pathway and explain how this could impact overall metabolic function.
  • Disruptions in the 2-phosphoglycerate step of the glycolysis pathway can lead to metabolic disorders, such as 2-phosphoglycerate dehydratase deficiency. This condition can cause a buildup of 2-phosphoglycerate and other glycolytic intermediates, leading to lactic acidosis and neurological symptoms. The inability to efficiently convert 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) would disrupt the downstream steps of glycolysis, reducing the production of ATP and the final product, pyruvate. This would have widespread consequences on the body's energy metabolism, as pyruvate is a crucial substrate for the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, which are the main pathways for cellular energy production. The impairment of these fundamental metabolic processes could result in various health issues, highlighting the importance of the 2-phosphoglycerate step in maintaining overall metabolic function and homeostasis.

Related terms

Glycolysis: The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP in the process.

3-phosphoglycerate: The fifth intermediate in the glycolysis pathway, which is converted to 2-phosphoglycerate by the enzyme phosphoglycerate mutase.

Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP): The penultimate intermediate in the glycolysis pathway, formed from the dehydration of 2-phosphoglycerate by the enzyme enolase.