fructose metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving fructose, the ketohexose arabino-2-hexulose. Fructose exists in a open chain form or as a ring compound. D-fructose is the sweetest of the sugars and is found free in a large number of fruits and honey. [ISBN:0198506732]

Fructose metabolism is a complex process that involves the conversion of fructose, a simple sugar found in fruits, honey, and high-fructose corn syrup, into energy (ATP) that cells can use. It begins in the small intestine, where fructose is absorbed into the bloodstream. Unlike glucose, fructose does not require insulin for entry into cells. Instead, it is transported into the liver via GLUT5, a specific transporter protein. Once in the liver, fructose undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions catalyzed by enzymes like fructokinase and aldolase B. These reactions convert fructose into glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), both of which are intermediates in glycolysis. Glyceraldehyde is then further metabolized to pyruvate, which can then enter the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle for ATP production. DHAP, on the other hand, can be used to synthesize glucose via gluconeogenesis or enter glycolysis. Notably, fructose metabolism is different from glucose metabolism because it bypasses the regulatory step of phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) in glycolysis. This bypass can lead to increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis (fat production) and triglyceride accumulation in the liver, especially when fructose intake is excessive. Furthermore, fructose metabolism is linked to increased uric acid production and may contribute to insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Overall, fructose metabolism is a crucial process for energy production, but excessive fructose intake can have detrimental effects on liver health and overall metabolic function.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (26)