1,3-biphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG) is a compound found in all cells that plays an important role in the metabolism of glucose. It is produced when glucose is broken down to generate energy and it serves as an intermediate molecule in the production of other molecules used for cellular respiration. When 1,3-BPG is reduced by NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), it can then be further reduced to form glycerol 3-phosphate—a key metabolic intermediate involved in many biochemical pathways, including fatty acid synthesis and glycolysis.

NADPH works through a process called oxidation reduction—the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another. In this case, NADPH transfers two electrons from its hydrogens onto 1,3-BPG for reduction into glycerol 3-phosphate. This oxidation reaction produces energy which helps power cellular activities such as movement, growth and reproduction. Additionally, because NADPH contains reactive oxygen species (ROS) these ROS can interact with other molecules during the reaction producing free radicals which can cause oxidative damage if produced in excessive amounts; however when closely monitored by living cells these ROS are essential for helping carry out important metabolic processes such as Photosynthesis and Respiration.