Biochemistry, Gluconeogenesis

Excerpt

Gluconeogenesis refers to a group of metabolic reactions in cytosol and mitochondria to maintain the blood glucose level constant throughout the fasting state. Reactions in the gluconeogenesis pathway are regulated locally and globally (by insulin, glucagon, and cortisol), and some of them are highly exergonic and irreversible. The balance between stimulatory and inhibitory hormones regulates the rate of gluconeogenesis. The liver and, secondarily, the kidney are the organs that supply circulating blood glucose to various tissues. Different tissues have multiple mechanisms to generate glucose during fasting, maintaining adequate energy levels for their proper function.