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Explain why inorganic phosphate is absolutely required for glycolysis to proceed
Accepted Answer
Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is crucial for glycolysis because it participates in two key steps:
1. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P) to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG): Pi is incorporated into G3P, forming 1,3-BPG, a high-energy compound. This reaction is catalyzed by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and is coupled with the oxidation of G3P, generating NADH.
2. Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to pyruvate: Pi is released during the conversion of PEP to pyruvate, catalyzed by pyruvate kinase. This reaction releases energy, which is used to generate ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation.
Essentially, Pi acts as a 'carrier' of energy and is essential for the production of ATP, the main energy currency of the cell, during glycolysis.
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