Xylulose-5-phosphate is a sugar phosphate that plays a crucial role in the pentose phosphate pathway, a metabolic pathway important for cellular processes. It is produced from ribulose-5-phosphate and can be converted into other sugars that are essential for nucleotide synthesis and energy production. This compound is involved in the regulation of various metabolic functions, including the synthesis of nucleotides and the generation of reducing power in the form of NADPH. Xylulose-5-phosphate also helps in the interconversion of carbohydrates, contributing to the overall balance of energy and biosynthetic pathways in cells.