GLYCOGENOLYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Glycogenolysis is a metabolic process that involves the breakdown of glycogen, a storage form of glucose, in order to release glucose into the bloodstream. It is an essential process that occurs mainly in the liver and muscle cells, serving as a means of maintaining normal blood glucose levels during periods of fasting or physical activity.
The process of glycogenolysis is regulated by the hormone glucagon, which is secreted by the pancreas in response to low blood glucose levels. Glucagon binds to specific receptors on liver and muscle cells, activating the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase. This enzyme then catalyzes the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds within the glycogen molecule, breaking it down into glucose-1-phosphate units.
The glucose-1-phosphate resulting from glycogenolysis is subsequently converted into glucose-6-phosphate through the action of phosphoglucomutase. This conversion allows glucose to enter the glycolytic pathway for further energy production or be released into the bloodstream to be used by other tissues.
Glycogenolysis plays a critical role in maintaining glucose homeostasis, ensuring a steady supply of glucose for the body's energy requirements. It is particularly important during shorter-term periods of intense physical activity when glucose demand increases. Additionally, glycogenolysis is essential for the provision of glucose to the brain during fasting periods when dietary glucose is limited.
In summary, glycogenolysis is the enzymatic breakdown of glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate, which can be subsequently converted into glucose-6-phosphate for energy production or released into the bloodstream to meet the body's glucose needs.
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The hydrolysis of glycogen, and its conversion into glucose.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLYCOGENOLYSIS
- flycogenolysis
- vlycogenolysis
- blycogenolysis
- hlycogenolysis
- ylycogenolysis
- tlycogenolysis
- gkycogenolysis
- gpycogenolysis
- goycogenolysis
- gltcogenolysis
- glgcogenolysis
- glhcogenolysis
- glucogenolysis
- gl7cogenolysis
- gl6cogenolysis
- glyxogenolysis
- glyvogenolysis
- glyfogenolysis
- glydogenolysis
- glycigenolysis
Etymology of GLYCOGENOLYSIS
The word "glycogenolysis" is derived from the combination of "glycogen", which refers to a complex carbohydrate stored in animals and humans, and "lysis", which means the breakdown or decomposition of a substance. In essence, "glycogenolysis" refers to the process of breaking down glycogen into glucose molecules in order to release energy.
Similar spelling word for GLYCOGENOLYSIS
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