This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: HMP Shunt Pathway, Fructose, Galactose Metabolism, Subject name: Biochemistry
Least energy producing cycle - 
Select and explain. 
A. Glycolysis, B. Kreb's cycle, C. HMP shunt, D. Fatty acid oxidation
C: HMP shunt
Answer: C: HMP shunt 
Explanation: Ans. is 'c' i.e., HMP shunt o HMP shunt does not produce energyo HMP shunt is particularly important for two purposesi) Synthesis of ribose for nucleotide and nucleic acid formation.ii) Formation of NADPH which plays important role in several other biological processes, e.g. synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, steroid hormones and neurotransmitters.