This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Metabolism of carbohydrate, Subject name: Biochemistry
Pentose pathway is essential for the production of 
Select and explain. 
A. NAD, B. FAD, C. NADPH, D. NADH
C: NADPH
Answer: C: NADPH 
Explanation: The major metabolic role of the HMP shunt pathway is to provide cytoplasmic NADPH for reductive biosynthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and steroidsRef: DM Vasudevan, 7th edition, page no: 130