Question

the reason(s) why glucose oxidation occurs in multiple, enzyme catalyzed steps that result in small chemical transformations is/are______________.

Answer 1

Compounds such as 1,3-BGP and PEP are considered "high energy" due to their ability to readily transfer groups such as phosphate groups. The capacity to "readily transfer" a group is associated with a spontaneous reaction, as indicated by a negative delta G value. The larger, more negative delta G values correspond with compounds that have high phosphate group transfer potential. 1,3BPG and PEP participate in substrate level phosphorylation. In some organisms, this is the only way to generate ATP (such as in the absence of oxygen).