Pentose phosphate pathway (HMP shunt) — What are the two principal products generated for cellular needs?

Introduction:
The pentose phosphate pathway (also called the hexose monophosphate shunt) branches from glycolysis at glucose-6-phosphate to serve biosynthetic and redox functions. This question asks you to identify its two hallmark outputs that support anabolic reactions and nucleotide synthesis.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Cells need reducing power for biosynthesis and detoxification.
• Cells also require pentose sugars for nucleotides and nucleic acids.
• The pathway has oxidative and non-oxidative phases.

Concept / Approach:
The oxidative phase produces NADPH while converting glucose-6-phosphate to ribulose-5-phosphate with CO2 release. The non-oxidative phase interconverts sugars to provide ribose-5-phosphate for nucleotide and nucleic acid synthesis or to feed back into glycolysis. Thus, NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate are the key deliverables.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
NADPH demand is high in fatty acid, cholesterol, and steroid synthesis and in glutathione recycling via glutathione reductase; PPP inhibition sensitizes cells to oxidative stress, evidencing the pathway’s role in redox balance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• NAD (oxidized form) is not a main product of PPP; NADPH is.
• FAD, CoA, or ATP are not the signature outputs of this pathway.
• Glucose-6-phosphate is an input, not a product.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing NADPH with NADH. NADPH is primarily anabolic and antioxidant; NADH is generally catabolic and fuels oxidative phosphorylation.

Final Answer:
NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate.