GLYCONEOGENESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Glyconeogenesis is a biochemical process occurring in the body that involves the synthesis of glucose molecules from non-carbohydrate sources. It is the opposite of glycolysis, which is the breakdown of glucose for energy. Glyconeogenesis plays a crucial role in maintaining stable blood glucose levels and ensuring a constant supply of glucose to the body's cells.
During glyconeogenesis, certain non-carbohydrate precursors, such as amino acids from proteins, lactate from muscles, and glycerol from fats, are metabolized to produce glucose. This process primarily takes place in the liver but can also occur in the kidneys and small intestine. Glyconeogenesis is regulated by a variety of enzymes and hormones, including glucagon, cortisol, and insulin.
The importance of glyconeogenesis is highlighted during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, and low-carbohydrate diets when glucose availability is limited. In these situations, the body relies on glyconeogenesis to produce glucose and prevent hypoglycemia. Glyconeogenesis also serves as a backup mechanism during times of intense physical activity when the demand for glucose exceeds the supply from dietary carbohydrates.
Understanding glyconeogenesis is crucial in various fields of study, including biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition. Disruptions in this process can lead to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus and certain types of hypoglycemia. Research on glyconeogenesis can aid in understanding glucose metabolism and assist in the development of strategies to manage and prevent these conditions.
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The formation of carbohydrates, especially of grape sugar, from substances which are themselves not carbohydrates, such as protein or fat.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLYCONEOGENESIS
- glyconeogenesiq
- glyconeogenesir
- glycwonogenesis
- g lyconeogenesis
- gl yconeogenesis
- gly coneogenesis
- glyc oneogenesis
- glyco neogenesis
- glycon eogenesis
- glycone ogenesis
- glyconeo genesis
- glyconeog enesis
- glyconeoge nesis
- glyconeogen esis
- glyconeogene sis
- glyconeogenes is
- glyconeogenesi s
Etymology of GLYCONEOGENESIS
The word "glyconeogenesis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots:
1. "glyco" - derived from the Greek word "glykys", meaning "sweet" or "sugar".
2. "neo" - derived from the Greek word "neos", meaning "new".
3. "genesis" - derived from the Greek word "gennan", meaning "to produce" or "to create".
Therefore, "glyconeogenesis" can be broken down to its constituent parts: "glyco" (sugar), "neo" (new), and "genesis" (production or creation). Together, the term refers to the metabolic pathway in which new glucose is produced from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and glycerol.
