Biosynthetic Pathways

What is the primary purpose of catabolism?

To break down complex molecules into simpler ones

Which process is characterized by the formation of a wide variety of complex products from a few biosynthetic precursors?

Anabolism

Gluconeogenesis 

A metabolic process of synthesising glucose from non-carbohydrate sources

What kind of non-carbohydrate sources can glucose be created from?

Lactate, Glycerol, and Amino Acids

What is the primary source of energy for gluconeogenesis?

ATP

Where does gluconeogenesis primarily occur in the body?

Liver and Kidneys

Where does gluconeogenesis occur?

Inracellularly

When is gluconeogenesis stimulated?

When glycogen stores in the body are depleted

What is the role of glycerol kinase in gluconeogenesis?

To convert glycerol to glycerol-3-phosphate

How long do glycogen stores typically last in the absence of dietary intake of carbohydrates?

10-18 Hrs

What is the primary source of lactate that is released into the blood and converted to glucose in the liver via gluconeogenesis?

Anaerobic glycolysis in exercising muscles or cells without mitochondria (e.g., red blood cells)

What is the Cori cycle?

A cycle where lactate (produced by muscles) is converted to glucose in the liver and sent back to the muscles

What is the substrate for gluconeogenesis that is released during the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols in adipose tissue?

Glycerol

What is the end product of glycolysis that can be converted to glucose through gluconeogenesis?

Lactate