Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) is a high-energy intermediate in the glycolytic pathway that plays a critical role in cellular metabolism. It is formed from 2-phosphoglycerate by the enzyme enolase and is essential for the conversion of glucose into pyruvate, ultimately driving ATP production through substrate-level phosphorylation. PEP also serves as a precursor for gluconeogenesis and other metabolic pathways.
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