Final answer:
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency) is a genetic condition that affects the pentose phosphate pathway and can make red blood cells more prone to oxidative damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, also known as G6PD deficiency, is a genetic condition characterized by low levels of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. This enzyme is involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, a metabolic pathway that supplies reducing energy to cells. G6PD deficiency can lead to a shortage of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and a decrease in glutathione levels, which can make red blood cells more vulnerable to oxidative damage.