What is glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis?
What is glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis?
Answered
Glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis are two metabolic pathways that maintain blood glucose levels but operate through different mechanisms. Glycogenolysis involves the breakdown of glycogen, a stored form of glucose, into glucose-1-phosphate, which can be converted to glucose-6-phosphate and then used for energy or released into the bloodstream. This process is activated when glucose levels are low, such as during fasting or physical activity. Gluconeogenesis, on the other hand, is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors like lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and amino acids. This process occurs primarily in the liver and kidneys, especially during prolonged fasting when glycogen stores are depleted. Both processes work together to ensure a constant supply of glucose to the body.