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Magazine Chapter 34: Problem 12
Excess glucose is stored as ________. a. fat b. glucagon c. glycogen d. it is not stored in the body
Short Answer
Expert verified
c. glycogen
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Options
First, look at the given options: a. fat, b. glucagon, c. glycogen, d. it is not stored in the body. Understand what each option means in the context of glucose storage.
02
Understand Glucose Storage
Recall that when glucose levels are high, the body stores the excess. Glucose can be stored in the form of glycogen, which is primarily found in the liver and muscles.
03
Eliminate Incorrect Options
Glucose is not stored as fat directly; it is first stored as glycogen. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels, not a storage form. Therefore, eliminate options a and b.
04
Check Remaining Options
Option d. suggests glucose is not stored, which is incorrect because glycogen acts as the storage for excess glucose. Therefore, you can eliminate option d.
05
Select the Correct Answer
The only plausible option left is c. glycogen. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the body.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Glycogen
Glycogen is the primary storage form of glucose in the body. This complex carbohydrate is a polysaccharide that serves as a readily available energy reservoir. When glucose levels rise, for example after eating, the body converts the excess glucose into glycogen. This process, called glycogenesis, mainly occurs in the liver and muscle cells. By storing glucose in the form of glycogen, the body ensures that it has a quick source of energy available for future use. Glycogen can be broken down back into glucose through glycogenolysis, providing fuel especially during periods of fasting or intense physical activity. This balance helps maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Glucagon
Glucagon is a crucial hormone involved in glucose metabolism and works in opposition to insulin. While insulin promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen, glucagon triggers the breakdown of glycogen back into glucose. This process, known as glycogenolysis, occurs primarily in the liver. When blood sugar levels are low, such as between meals or during exercise, the pancreas releases glucagon. This hormone signals the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. This regulation ensures that the body maintains adequate glucose levels, providing energy to critical organs and tissues, including the brain.
Glucose Metabolism
Glucose metabolism encompasses all the biochemical processes responsible for the production, storage, and utilization of glucose in the body. Key processes include:
- Glycogenesis: Conversion of glucose into glycogen for storage.
- Glycogenolysis: Breakdown of glycogen back into glucose.
- Glycolysis: The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy.
- Gluconeogenesis: Synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and glycerol.
Liver Function
The liver performs several vital functions, particularly in glucose metabolism. It acts as a central hub for storing and releasing glucose as needed.
- Glycogen Storage: The liver stores excess glucose in the form of glycogen, serving as a glucose reservoir.
- Glycogenolysis: It breaks down glycogen into glucose when blood sugar levels drop, maintaining energy supply.
- Gluconeogenesis: The liver generates glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates, crucial during prolonged fasting or intense exercise.
