Glucokinase

Definition

Glucokinase is an enzyme that facilitates the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, a crucial step in the process of glycolysis within the liver and pancreatic beta cells. This reaction represents a key regulatory point in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Related terms

Glycolysis:

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy and forming ATP and NADH.

Insulin:

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood by facilitating its uptake into cells.

Glucose:

6-phosphate - A compound that glucokinase helps form from glucose; it plays a vital role in cellular metabolism and is involved in both glycolysis and glycogenesis pathways