carbohydrate derivative metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving carbohydrate derivative. [GOC:TermGenie]

Carbohydrate derivative metabolic process encompasses a wide array of biochemical reactions that involve the transformation of carbohydrates into various derivative compounds, playing a crucial role in cellular energy production, structural support, and communication. These processes involve the modification of carbohydrate structures through the addition or removal of functional groups, such as phosphate, sulfate, or amino groups, or the formation of complex oligosaccharides or polysaccharides. Key aspects include:

* **Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis:** Central metabolic pathways for the breakdown (glycolysis) and synthesis (gluconeogenesis) of glucose, a primary carbohydrate fuel, involve the interconversion of various carbohydrate derivatives, including glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, and pyruvate.

* **Pentose Phosphate Pathway:** This pathway generates NADPH, an essential reducing agent for anabolic reactions, and precursors for nucleotide biosynthesis, utilizing glucose-6-phosphate and producing various pentose sugars, such as ribose-5-phosphate.

* **Glycogen Metabolism:** The storage and mobilization of glucose in the form of glycogen, a branched polysaccharide, involve the addition and removal of glucose units from glycogen chains.

* **Photosynthesis:** In plants, the process of photosynthesis involves the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water, utilizing light energy, and generating various carbohydrate derivatives as intermediates.

* **Amino Sugar Metabolism:** The synthesis of amino sugars, such as glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine, which are components of glycosaminoglycans and other important biomolecules, involves the modification of glucose with amino groups.

* **Sugar Nucleotide Metabolism:** The synthesis of sugar nucleotides, such as UDP-glucose and GDP-mannose, provides activated forms of carbohydrates for various biosynthetic pathways, including the synthesis of polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids.

* **Glycosylation:** The attachment of carbohydrates to proteins (glycoproteins) or lipids (glycolipids) is a common modification that influences protein folding, stability, and cellular interactions.

* **Oligosaccharide and Polysaccharide Biosynthesis:** The assembly of complex oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, including starch, cellulose, and chitin, involves the linkage of various sugar monomers through specific glycosidic bonds.

These intricate and interconnected pathways ensure the efficient utilization and conversion of carbohydrates, enabling organisms to meet their diverse energy and structural needs.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (5)