Title: The ability of pentose pathways to form all essential metabolites provides clues to the origins of metabolism.
Authors: Lindner, Steffen N.; Ralser, Markus
Abstract: The structure of the early metabolic network is unknown. Here, we report that when considered together, pentose utilization pathways form all life-essential precursors. We speculate that the chemistry preserved in pentose metabolism could therefore have been a central structural element in early metabolism.
Subjects: METABOLISM; METABOLITES
Publication: PLoS Biology, 2025, Vol 4, Issue 1, p1
ISSN: 1544-9173
Publication type: Academic Journal
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002996

The ability of pentose pathways to form all essential metabolites provides clues to the origins of metabolism.

Lindner, Steffen N.; Ralser, Markus