Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase: Difference between revisions

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a very important enzyme in the production of energy and in photosynthesis.  In the production of energy this enzyme catalyzes the sixth step in the process of breaking down glucose, also known as glycolysis which occurs in organisms of all phyla. The sixth step consists of of the oxidation of GAP by NAD and an inorganic phosphate to yield 1,3 bisphosphoglycerate.  In photosynthesis, which is carried out by plants and algae, this enzyme catalyzes the reduction step in the Calvin Cycle which fixes gaseous CO₂ into carbohydrate. Though these are its main functions, GAPDH has been shown to perform other functions including transcription activation, initiation of apoptosis, and ER to Golgi apparatus vesicle transportation.  However, this page will focus on GAPDH’s role in glycolysis. See [[2pkq]] for the plant Calvin Cycle enzyme.