Question

What is the role of glucose in the human body?

Answer 1

Hint: Glucose is the simplest form of carbohydrate. The plants prepare glucose by the process of photosynthesis and stores it as starch. The food we eat contains carbohydrates which are the polymer of glucose. In the case of metabolism oxidation of food, the glucose is broken down into carbon dioxide and water.

Complete answer:
Glucose is a six-carbon compound that contains hydrogen and oxygen. Glucose is the simplest form of carbohydrates. The other carbohydrates are formed as a result of the polymerisation of glucose.

- Glucose is considered the ultimate source of energy. During the metabolic activities, the glucose on oxidation yields carbon dioxide, water vapour and energy in the form of ATP. This ATP is the form of energy that can be utilised by our body. So, glucose is required by each and every cell of our body.
- Apart from the energy molecule, glucose also helps in the signalling of the molecules along the plasma membrane. The lipids and proteins are attached to the glucose molecule for transport in and out of the cell.
- Glucose is the molecule that is required by the blood and brain.
- The RBCs are totally dependent on glucose for energy as they lack mitochondria which is the power unit of the cell.
- The muscles also require glucose during strenuous exercise.

So, we can say that glucose is the most important biomolecule which is needed for the proper functioning of our body.
Note: The extra glucose produced in our body is stored in the form of glycogen in our body. During the energy requirement, the glycogen is metabolised in the liver to produce energy. The glycogen is stored in the adipose tissues in our muscles.