Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate
Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate (G3P) is a three-carbon sugar molecule that plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. It is an intermediate in the Calvin cycle, where it is produced from carbon dioxide and ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) and is essential for synthesizing glucose and other carbohydrates.
In addition to its role in photosynthesis, G3P is also involved in glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy. It can be converted into various other molecules, including fructose and pyruvate, making it a key player in energy metabolism and biosynthesis in living organisms.