Transketolase (TK) is a crucial enzyme involved in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), primarily functioning in the non-oxidative phase to transfer two-carbon units between sugar molecules. This pathway generates ribose-5-phosphate for nucleotide synthesis and NADPH for biosynthetic processes and antioxidant defense. TK catalyzes the transfer of a ketol group from a ketose donor to an aldose acceptor, playing a pivotal role in carbohydrate metabolism and maintaining cellular redox balance.