Chapter 21.7, Problem 21.13Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The role of glycogen phosphorylase in glycogenolysis has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The proteins, carbohydrate, and fat are the energy source in the diet. Before they are used to produce cellular energy, they break down into smaller subunits such as simple sugars units, glycerol, fatty acids, and amino acids. In mammals, the only source of energy for brain cell and red blood cells is glucose. Also, both brain cell and red blood cells are not able to store the glucose thus they need a continuous supply as blood glucose. This supply can be fulfilled by the degradation of glycogen by either gluconeogenesis or by glycogenolysis.

The glucose is stored in the form of long and branched chain polymer of glucose that is known as glycogen. It is stored in liver and skeletal muscles.