The Utilization of Glucose by Normal Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase and by Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Mediterranean ∗

Summary

The utilization of glucose and other nonphosphorylated sugars by partially purified normal G-6-PD and G-6-PD Mediterranean was investigated. Both enzymes have the capacity to oxidize glucose with a K_m of approximately 0.8 M. The utilization of glucose by both enzymes was markedly stimulated by the presence of bicarbonate, and the activity with Mediterranean enzyme was greater than that of normal G-6-PD. The pH optimum of utilization of glucose by the two enzymes was very similar. Galactose, 2-deoxyglucose, fructose, mannose, and ribose did not serve as substrate for either type of G-6-PD.