Erythrose-4-Phosphate

Erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P) is an intermediate of the pentose phosphate pathway. It also is an intermediate in the Calvin cycle (photosynthesis). Erythrose-4-phosphate is produced by action of the enzyme transaldolase in the reaction below:

> Sedoheptulose-7-Phosphate + Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate <=> E4P + Fructose-6-Phosphate

In addition, erythrose-4-phosphate is involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. All of the carbons in phenylalanine and tyrosine are derived from erythrose-4-phosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate.

See also: Pentose Phosphate Pathway, PPP Intermediates, Transaldolase, Calvin Cycle, Metabolism of Aromatic Amino Acids and Histidine

INTERNET LINKS:

> 1. Pentose Phosphate Pathway

> 2. CO 2 Fixation