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 Reactions in Photosynthesizing Cells 6.3: The Pentose Phosphate Pathway Biology LibreTexts 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