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MBBS QUESTION #10348
Question 1
The hexose monophosphate (pentose phosphate) shunt is particularly important in red blood cells because its primary product, NADPH, is used to:
  • Generate additional ATP for the Na+/K+-ATPase pump
  • Maintain reduced glutathione, which protects red cell membranes and proteins (including hemoglobin) from oxidative damage✔️
  • Provide additional glucose substrate for glycolysis
  • Generate ketone bodies for cellular energy
Correct Answer Explanation
NADPH produced by the HMP shunt (via glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) maintains reduced glutathione, which neutralizes reactive oxygen species; its deficiency (as in G6PD deficiency) leaves red cells vulnerable to oxidative injury and hemolysis.