Ribulose-5-Phosphate is a five-carbon sugar phosphate that plays a crucial role in the pentose phosphate pathway, a metabolic pathway parallel to glycolysis. It is formed from ribose-5-phosphate and is essential for the synthesis of nucleotides and nucleic acids, which are vital for cellular functions and genetic material. In addition to its role in nucleotide synthesis, Ribulose-5-Phosphate is also involved in the Calvin cycle, a process used by plants and some bacteria to convert carbon dioxide into glucose during photosynthesis. This compound helps in the regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, enabling the cycle to continue efficiently.