It is an intermediate in the pentose phosphate pathway and the Calvin cycle.

[1] The enzyme transaldolase catalyzes the formation of erythrose 4-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate from sedoheptulose 7-phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate.

[2] This reaction is a part of the non-oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway.

In the Calvin cycle, the enzyme fructose-bisphosphate aldolase catalyzes the formation of sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphate from erythrose 4-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate.

[3] In addition, it serves as a precursor in the biosynthesis of the aromatic amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan.