Final answer:
Phosphohexose isomerase, vital in glycolysis for converting glucose-6-phosphate to fructose-6-phosphate, is also known as Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, Phosphoglucose isomerase, and Autocrine motility factor when functioning outside the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phosphohexose isomerase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the glycolytic pathway. It is responsible for converting glucose-6-phosphate into its isomer, fructose-6-phosphate. This reaction is essential because it prepares the six-carbon sugar for subsequent steps that will eventually split it into two three-carbon molecules, which is a vital process for cellular energy production. The enzyme not only aids in the isomerization process but also sits at a key regulatory point in the metabolic pathway.
Phosphohexose isomerase is also known by several other names, including:
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- Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI)
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- Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI)
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- Autocrine motility factor (AMF) - when it acts outside the cell
Additionally, the term 'autocrine motility factor' is used in the context of this enzyme when it exhibits activity outside of its traditional metabolic role and influences cell movement.
In summary, phosphohexose isomerase has various names that may be used interchangeably depending on the specific context or scientific literature being referred to.