Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic process through which glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate substrates, primarily in the liver. It plays a critical role in maintaining blood sugar levels during fasting or intense exercise.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Gluconeogenesis occurs mainly in the liver and to a lesser extent in the kidneys.
Key substrates for gluconeogenesis include lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids.
The process is hormonally regulated by insulin and glucagon, with insulin inhibiting and glucagon promoting gluconeogenesis.
Gluconeogenesis shares some enzymes with glycolysis but bypasses key irreversible steps using unique enzymes such as pyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK).
It is crucial for maintaining blood glucose levels during periods of fasting or intense physical activity when carbohydrate intake is low.