Question

The catalytic production of dihydroxyacetone and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (2-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl dihydrogen phosphate) from fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (\\{[(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[(phosphonooxy)methyl]oxolan-2-yl]methoxysphosphonic acid) is what type of reaction? A. Aldol condensation B. Retro-aldol reaction C. Dehydration D. Nucleophilic attack

Short answer

B. Retro-aldol reaction

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Reaction

Identify the reactants and products in the provided reaction: Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (reactant) is converted to dihydroxyacetone and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (products).

Identify the Conversion Process

Analyze the reaction type by understanding the breakdown of the reactant. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is split into two products. This type of reaction involves breaking the carbon-carbon bond.

Recognize the Reaction Type

Determine the specific kind of bond-breaking process. Splitting fructose-1,6-bisphosphate into two separate molecules, dihydroxyacetone and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, is an example of a retro-aldol reaction.

Key concepts

Catalytic Reactions

Catalytic reactions involve the use of a catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. Catalysts work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur. This means that the reaction can proceed more quickly and at lower temperatures than it otherwise would.
In biological systems, enzymes act as catalysts. They are highly specific proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions. For example, in the breakdown of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to dihydroxyacetone and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, the enzyme aldolase facilitates the reaction.
This reaction is an example of how catalysts are essential in biological pathways, allowing organisms to efficiently carry out complex reactions.

• Speed up reactions
• Lower activation energy
• Not consumed in the reaction

Biochemical Pathways

Biochemical pathways are series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell. These pathways are crucial for maintaining the cell’s metabolism and overall function. Pathways can be catabolic (breaking down molecules to produce energy) or anabolic (building up molecules to store energy).
The breakdown of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to dihydroxyacetone and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is part of the glycolytic pathway, an important metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy in the form of ATP.
Understanding these pathways is important for comprehending how cells harness energy and manage resources. Key points to remember include:

• Made up of interconnected reactions
• Include both catabolic and anabolic processes
• Critical for cell metabolism

Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is a phosphorylated sugar, playing a critical role in the glycolytic pathway. It is formed from fructose-6-phosphate by the enzyme phosphofructokinase, a major regulatory step in glycolysis.
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is then cleaved into dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate by aldolase in a retro-aldol reaction. These molecules continue through glycolysis to produce energy in the form of ATP.
This molecule is vital for effective carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. Key points include:

• Intermediate in glycolysis
• Formed by phosphofructokinase
• Split by aldolase into two 3-carbon molecules