glyceraldehyde

The simplest of the monosaccharides containing an aldehyde group. It has the formula CHOCH(OH)CH₂OH. In its phosphorylated form, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (formula CHOCH(OH)CH₂OP0₃^2-), it is important in many metabolic pathways. In glycolysis glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is formed, together with   dihydroxyacetone   phosphate,   by the cleavage of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is also one of the compounds formed in the Calvin cycle.