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A triose is a monosaccharide, or simple sugar, containing three carbon atoms. There are only three possible trioses: the two enantiomers of glyceraldehyde, which are aldoses; and dihydroxyacetone, a ketose which is symmetrical and therefore has no enantiomers.

Trioses are important in cellular respiration. During glycolysis, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is broken down into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Lactic acid and pyruvic acid are later derived from these molecules.

Importance of Triose in the Body

• Trioses serve as metabolic intermediates in various different metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway.

• Trioses contribute to the synthesis of essential biomolecules including lipids, amino acids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates.
• Trioses are small carbon molecules and can therefore be easily modified into various molecules.

References

1. "Trioses - Three Carbon Sugars". Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2011-07-10.
2. "Glycolysis in Detail". Ohio State University at Mansfield. Retrieved 2011-07-10.

• Trioses