Frontiers The Role of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Diabetes and Cancer 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 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. Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP), Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism Cell Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry for Pre Clinical Students Pentose Phosphate Pathway Notes Kansas State University Edubirdie