DIY Glycolysis

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Step Eight - Dephosphorylation of 3-phosphoglycerate

Possible, desirable but not quite optimal.

Yes, you could easily take it off now. The product, glycerate, is a charged molecule so will interact with enzymes well enough. However, if you leave it on for the moment and link its removal to the formation of a carbonyl group you will have the advantage of an irreversible step near the end of the pathway. Just shift it over to carbon 2 for now.