1,3-bisphosphoglycerate

Definition

1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG) is a high-energy intermediate formed during glycolysis, specifically in the conversion of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate. This compound plays a crucial role as it donates a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP in subsequent steps, highlighting its importance in energy metabolism and the overall glycolytic pathway.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate is produced in glycolysis when glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate is oxidized and phosphorylated by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.
2. This compound contains two phosphate groups, which makes it a high-energy molecule that can easily donate one of its phosphates to ADP to generate ATP.
3. The conversion of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate to 3-phosphoglycerate is catalyzed by the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase.
4. The formation of 1,3-BPG is one of the few steps in glycolysis that involves an oxidation reaction, linking it to the production of NADH.
5. 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate is an important point in glycolysis as it represents the transition between energy investment and energy payoff phases.

Review Questions

• How does 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate contribute to the energy yield of glycolysis?
  • 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate contributes to the energy yield of glycolysis by serving as a key intermediate that donates a phosphate group to ADP to produce ATP. This occurs during the action of phosphoglycerate kinase, making it one of the steps that help generate ATP without using oxygen. Thus, its formation marks a critical transition from the initial investment of energy to the eventual payoff.
• Discuss the role of oxidation in the formation of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate and its significance in glycolysis.
  • The formation of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate involves an oxidation reaction where glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate is oxidized by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. This process not only produces 1,3-BPG but also generates NADH from NAD+, which is vital for cellular respiration. The significance lies in its dual role: contributing to ATP production while also providing reducing power needed for other metabolic processes.
• Evaluate how disruptions in the glycolytic pathway affecting 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate might influence overall cellular metabolism.
  • Disruptions in the glycolytic pathway affecting 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate could lead to reduced ATP production and altered energy balance within cells. As this intermediate is crucial for transferring phosphate groups to ADP, any impairment could hinder ATP synthesis. This would impact various cellular functions reliant on ATP, potentially leading to impaired metabolism and energy deficits that affect cell growth and survival.

Related terms

Glycolysis: A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing energy in the form of ATP and NADH.

Phosphorylation: The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, which is a key process in energy transfer and metabolism.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy currency of the cell, providing energy for various cellular processes through hydrolysis.