Glucose metabolism begins with its transport into cells via GLUT transporters, where it is phosphorylated to glucose 6 phosphate (Glucose 6 P). This molecule can enter various pathways, including the pentose phosphate pathway or hexosamine biosynthesis. Frontiers The Role of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Diabetes and Cancer Role of glutathione cycle and the pentose phosphate pathway in the Download Scientific Diagram Pentose Phosphate Pathway made simple. This pathway has two major jobs: Generate NADPH Produce ribose 5 phosphate NADPH protects cells from oxidative stress and supports fatty acid, cholesterol, steroid, nitric oxide, and respiratory burst Enzymes of glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway as targets of oxidants: Role of redox reactions on the carbohydrate catabolism ScienceDirect