Glucose metabolism
Glucose Metabolism
Glucose metabolism refers to the process by which the body uses glucose to produce energy. It is a vital process for all life forms, from the simplest bacteria to the most complex mammals.
Pronunciation
Glu·cose Me·tab·o·lism | \ ˈglü-ˌkōs mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm \
Etymology
The term "glucose" comes from the Greek word "glykys," which means sweet. The term "metabolism" comes from the Greek word "metabole," which means change.
Process
Glucose metabolism involves several processes, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle or citric acid cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. These processes break down glucose and convert it into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's main source of energy.
Related Terms
- Glycolysis: The process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and reducing power in the form of NADH.
- Tricarboxylic acid cycle: A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide.
- Oxidative phosphorylation: The metabolic pathway in which cells use enzymes to oxidize nutrients, thereby releasing energy which is used to produce ATP.
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): A complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells, e.g., muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and chemical synthesis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glucose metabolism
- Wikipedia's article - Glucose metabolism
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