A nutrient is a substance in food that is used by the body to promote normal growth, maintenance, and repair

A nutrient is a substance in food that is used by the body to promote normal growth, maintenance, and repair. During metabolism, substances inside body cells are constantly built up or broken down. Let's start this week's discussion with the definition and comparison of glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and lipogenesis. Which is (are) likely to be occurring (1) shortly after a carbohydrate-rich meal and (2) just before waking up in the morning?

Sample Solution

  Glycogenesis is the process of storing glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is a polysaccharide, or a long chain of glucose molecules. When blood glucose levels are high, excess glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. This process is stimulated by insulin, a hormone that is released after eating.

Full Answer Section

  Glycogenolysis is the process of breaking down glycogen into glucose. This process occurs when blood glucose levels are low, such as when you are fasting or exercising. Glycogenolysis is stimulated by glucagon, a hormone that is released by the pancreas. Gluconeogenesis is the process of making new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, lactate, and glycerol. Gluconeogenesis occurs when blood glucose levels are very low, such as when you have not eaten for a long time or when you have a liver disease. Gluconeogenesis is stimulated by glucagon and cortisol, a stress hormone. Lipogenesis is the process of making new fat from glucose or other sources. Lipogenesis occurs when there is an excess of glucose or other sources of energy. Lipogenesis is stimulated by insulin. Which is (are) likely to be occurring shortly after a carbohydrate-rich meal and just before waking up in the morning? Shortly after a carbohydrate-rich meal, glycogenesis is likely to be occurring. This is because there will be a lot of glucose in the blood, and insulin will be released to stimulate the storage of glucose as glycogen. Just before waking up in the morning, glycogenolysis is likely to be occurring. This is because blood glucose levels will be low, and glucagon will be released to stimulate the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Here is a table that summarizes the four processes:
Process Description Occurs when Stimulated by
Glycogenolysis Breakdown of glycogen into glucose Blood glucose levels are low Glucagon
Gluconeogenesis Making new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources Blood glucose levels are very low Glucagon, cortisol
Lipogenesis Making new fat from glucose or other sources Excess of glucose or other sources of energy Insulin
Glycogenesis Storing glucose as glycogen Blood glucose levels are high Insulin

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