Explain how Inactivity or absence of Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase ; a rate limiting enzyme in the Pentose phosphate pathway could lead to oxidative stress.* The pentose phosphate pathway in health and disease Nature Metabolism 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 The pentose phosphate pathway in health and disease Nature Metabolism Hexose Monophosphate Pathway or Pentose Phosphate Pathway Animations PharmaXChange.info