The (hexose monophosphate) HMP shunt, also known as the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), is an important pathway in carbohydrate metabolism. It operates parallel to glycolysis and serves multiple purposes, including the production of NADPH, which is essential for various cellular processes, and the generation of ribose-5-phosphate, a precursor for nucleotide synthesis. This article explores the HMP shunt, highlighting its steps, regulation, significance, and roles in cellular metabolism.
