Pentose Phosphate Pathway The Medical Biochemistry Page Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Do we need to memorize the structures of the pentose phosphate pathway molecules (e.g. pics 1 and 2) if we want a 130+? Also do we need to know the glutathione part Pentose Phosphate Pathway made simple. This pathway has two major jobs: Generate NADPH Produce ribose 5 phosphate NADPH protects cells from oxidative stress and supports fatty acid, cholesterol, steroid, nitric oxide, and respiratory burst