The pentose phosphate cycle has an oxidative and a nonoxidative section and these are presented as both playing important metabolic roles, rather than a coupled role with a single function. How are the metabolic roles of these two parts of the pathway different from each other? Explain in terms of biochemistry Solution Answer= Function of oxidative and non-oxidative phases of pentose phosphate pathway Oxidative phase= produces NADPH = it serves as a source of electrons for the reduction of molecules during biosynthesis Nonoxidative phase=1] synthesizes 3 & 4 carbon sugars for various purposes 2] The 4 carbon sugar erythrose 4 phosphate is used to synthesize aromatic amino acids & vitamin B6 3] The pentose ribose 5-phosphate is a major component of nucleic acids, and ribulose 1,5- bisphosphate is the primary CO2 acceptor in photosynthesis. 4] Intermediates in the pentose phosphate pathway may be used to produce ATP. 5] Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate from the pathway can enter three-carbon stage of the glycolytic pathway and be converted to ATP and pyruvate..