Life: The Science of Biology
Life: The Science of Biology
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319010164
Author: David E. Sadava, David M. Hillis, H. Craig Heller, Sally D. Hacker
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 9, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To review:

The mechanism used by the human body for supplying glucose to its organs when food intake stops.

Introduction:

The main source of energy in the human body is glucose. The human body gets glucose from food. The body stores the glucose as glycogen. The human body uses this glycogen as a source of glucose when there is lack of glucose intake. When the stored glycogen is used up, the body uses other molecules as a source of glucose, which involves the process of gluconeogenesis. The graph showing the ways, by which the human body cells shift in their rate of glucose oxidation and the source of glucose oxidized after food intake has stopped is given below:

Life: The Science of Biology, Chapter 9, Problem 1Q

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

When the food intake stops for a long time, then gradually the reserve glycogen that was used as the source of glucose declines. Then, the liver along with the kidneys produce glucose by using other molecules. These molecules include glucogenic amino acids, lactate, and glycerol. This process of producing glucose by using other molecules is known as gluconeogenesis.

The liver also uses some other sugars, such as sucrose and galactose as a source of glucose. The liver produces ketones from fats in case of lack of glucose as a source of energy. This is known as ketogenesis. Thus, declining glucose level in the body induces production of an alternative source of energy.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the human body uses other molecules as a source of glucose to fulfill the need for glucose in its organs. This process is known as gluconeogenesis.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
In what form does the body primarily store any excess glucose?
In order to normalize blood sugar levels after a meal, mammalian systems release insulin and rely on a different enzyme to phosphorylate glucose after it enters liver cells. Explain the mechanisms by which these two systems decreases blood sugar to safe levels.
What molecules are used initially during starvation or fasting to produce glucose?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781305577206
Author:Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, ...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337486415
Author:McGuire
Publisher:Cengage
Human digestive system - How it works! (Animation); Author: Thomas Schwenke;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3TAROotFfM;License: Standard Youtube License