Hexokinase (HK, EC 2.7.1.1) is widely distributed in animals, plants, microorganisms and cultured cells. It
is the first key enzyme in the process of glucose decomposition, catalyzing the conversion of glucose into
glucose 6-phosphate, which is the intersection of glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways.
HK catalyzes the synthesis of glucose to 6-phosphate glucose, and 6-phosphate glucose dehydrogenase
further catalyzes the dehydrogenation of 6-phosphate glucose to NADPH, which has a characteristic
absorption peak at 340 nm.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided:
Spectrophotometer, water bath, centrifuge, adjustable pipette, 1 mL quartz cuvette, ice, mortar/
homogenizer and distilled water.