Reaction: D-xylulose 5-phosphate + formaldehyde = D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate + glycerone
For diagram click here.
Glossary: thiamine diphosphate
Other name(s): dihydroxyacetone synthase
Systematic name: D-xylulose-5-phosphate:formaldehyde glycolaldehydetransferase
Comments: A thiamine-diphosphate protein. Not identical with EC 2.2.1.1 transketolase. Also converts hydroxypyruvate and formaldehyde into glycerone and CO2.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number: 124566-23-0
References:
1. Bystrykh, L.V., Sokolov, A.P. and Trotsenko, Yu.A. Separation of transketolase and dihydroxyacetone synthase from methylotrophic yeasts. Dokl. Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R. 258 (1981) 499-501 [in Russian].
2. Kato, N., Higuchi, T., Sakazawa, C., Nishizawa, T., Tani, Y. and Yamada, H. Purification and properties of a transketolase responsible for formaldehyde fixation in a methanol-utilizing yeast, Candida boidinii (Kloeckera sp.) No. 2201. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 715 (1982) 143-150.
3. Waites, M.J. and Quayle, J.R. The interrelation between transketolase and dihydroxyacetone synthase activities in the methylotrophic yeast Candida boidinii. J. Gen. Microbiol. 124 (1981) 309-316.