key term - Glucose-6-phosphatase

Definition

Glucose-6-phosphatase is an enzyme that catalyzes the final step in gluconeogenesis, the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels and maintaining glucose homeostasis in the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Glucose-6-phosphatase is primarily expressed in the liver and kidneys, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose levels.
2. The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucose-6-phosphate to glucose, which can then be released into the bloodstream.
3. Deficiency or dysfunction of glucose-6-phosphatase can lead to glycogen storage diseases, such as von Gierke's disease, characterized by hypoglycemia and the accumulation of glycogen in the liver and kidneys.
4. Glucose-6-phosphatase is a key enzyme in the regulation of gluconeogenesis, as it allows the final product of this pathway, glucose, to be exported from the liver and kidneys into the bloodstream.
5. The activity of glucose-6-phosphatase is regulated by hormones, such as glucagon and insulin, which modulate its expression and activity to maintain glucose homeostasis.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of glucose-6-phosphatase in the catabolism of triacylglycerols and the fate of glycerol.
  • Glucose-6-phosphatase plays a crucial role in the catabolism of triacylglycerols and the fate of glycerol. During the breakdown of triacylglycerols, glycerol is released as a byproduct. Glucose-6-phosphatase catalyzes the conversion of glycerol-3-phosphate, a glycolytic intermediate, to free glycerol. This free glycerol can then be transported to the liver, where glucose-6-phosphatase facilitates its conversion to glucose-6-phosphate, which can enter the gluconeogenic pathway to be used for the synthesis of glucose. This process allows the body to maintain blood glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemia during periods of fasting or starvation.
• Describe the function of glucose-6-phosphatase in the context of carbohydrate biosynthesis through gluconeogenesis.
  • Glucose-6-phosphatase plays a crucial role in the gluconeogenic pathway, which is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, such as amino acids, lactate, and glycerol. The enzyme catalyzes the final step of gluconeogenesis, converting glucose-6-phosphate to free glucose. This allows the glucose to be exported from the liver and kidneys into the bloodstream, where it can be utilized by other tissues in the body. The activity of glucose-6-phosphatase is tightly regulated by hormones, such as glucagon and insulin, to maintain blood glucose homeostasis. Dysfunction or deficiency of this enzyme can lead to glycogen storage diseases, highlighting its importance in carbohydrate biosynthesis and glucose regulation.
• Analyze the significance of glucose-6-phosphatase in the overall regulation of blood glucose levels and glucose homeostasis in the body.
  • Glucose-6-phosphatase is a critical enzyme in the maintenance of blood glucose levels and glucose homeostasis. By catalyzing the final step in gluconeogenesis, glucose-6-phosphatase allows the liver and kidneys to export glucose into the bloodstream, where it can be utilized by other tissues. This process is essential for preventing hypoglycemia during periods of fasting or starvation, when the body needs to maintain blood glucose levels. Additionally, the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase is regulated by hormones, such as glucagon and insulin, which modulate its expression and function to ensure tight control of blood glucose levels. Dysfunction or deficiency of this enzyme can lead to glycogen storage diseases, highlighting its pivotal role in carbohydrate metabolism and glucose regulation in the body.

Related terms

Gluconeogenesis:

The metabolic pathway that produces glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, such as amino acids, lactate, and glycerol.

Glycogenolysis: The breakdown of glycogen, the stored form of glucose, to release glucose-6-phosphate.

Glycogen Synthase: The enzyme responsible for the synthesis of glycogen from glucose-6-phosphate.