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What is the difference between glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis?

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Last updated date: 19th Apr 2024
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Answer
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Hint: Glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and glycogenesis are all processes involved in glucose metabolism. Glycolysis is a process in the liver that involves many enzymes that promote glucose catabolism in cells. Glucokinase is a protein that helps the liver to recognise blood glucose levels and use glucose when they rise, such as after eating. The process of gluconeogenesis occurs during periods of fasting, when there is no glucose intake, such as overnight when sleeping.

Complete answer:
Glycogenolysis and Gluconeogenesis are two different types of mechanisms that raise blood glucose levels.
The major points of differences between glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis are as follows:
Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen occurring in the liver when blood glucose levels drop, whereas gluconeogenesis is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like lactic acid, glycerol, amino acids and occurs in liver and kidneys.
Glycogen is broken down to create glucose-6-phosphate during glycogenolysis, while compounds like amino acids and lactic acids are converted to glucose during gluconeogenesis.
Glycogenolysis cannot take place in muscles due to the absence of phosphatase enzymes whereas gluconeogenesis can take place in muscle cells as well.

Note:
Because glucose is our primary source of energy, it is critical that physiological mechanisms exist to prevent dangerously low blood glucose levels while we are fasting, such as when sleeping at night. Insulin and glucagon are hormones that keep blood glucose levels in check. A drop in blood glucose levels will lead the glucagon hormone to bring an increase in glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis and decrease glycogenesis and glycolysis.