Final answer:
The reaction of Fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) to Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) involves the enzyme phosphofructokinase (PF K) and is part of the glycolysis pathway. This reaction is the committed step of glycolysis and regulates the rate of glucose metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conversion of fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) to fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) is a key regulatory step in glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme phosphofructokinase-1 (PF K-1) and is highly regulated in response to the cell's energy needs.
In the reaction, a phosphate group is transferred from ATP to the carbon-1 position of fructose 6-phosphate, resulting in the formation of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. This phosphorylation step is crucial because it commits the molecule to further metabolism and allows the subsequent steps of glycolysis to proceed.
The reaction is exergonic, meaning it releases energy, and it is one of the key regulatory points where cells control the rate of glycolysis based on the availability of ATP and other metabolic signals.