Breakdown of glycogen to glucose is known as?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Biochemistry & Nutrition

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Glycogenolysis is the biochemical pathway that breaks down glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate and free glucose.
The term itself is derived from 'glycogen' and 'lysis' (meaning to split or break down).
This process is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting (in the liver) and providing a rapid energy source for muscle contraction (in muscles).
The key regulatory enzyme in this pathway is glycogen phosphorylase.

Option A: Glycolysis is the breakdown of glucose, not glycogen. It is the subsequent step after glycogenolysis has produced glucose.
Option B: Proteolysis refers to the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, not carbohydrates like glycogen.
Option D: Proteogeolysis is not a recognized or standard term in biochemistry or medicine. It appears to be a distractor combining elements of 'protein' and 'glycogen' breakdown.

Visual 1: Diagram: A flowchart illustrating the interconnected pathways of glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis, showing how glucose, glycogen, and pyruvate are interconverted.
Visual 2: Infographic: A comparison table highlighting the key differences between Glycogenolysis and Glycolysis, including the starting molecule, end product, location, and primary function.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Metabolic pathways of carbohydrates helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding glycogenolysis is fundamental for managing conditions like diabetes mellitus. In diabetic patients, the regulation of this pathway can be impaired, leading to hyperglycemia.
In sports medicine and exercise physiology, a nurse advises athletes on nutrition to optimize muscle glycogen stores for performance and recovery. Glycogenolysis is the process that makes this stored energy available during exercise.
Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs), such as Von Gierke's disease (Type I) or McArdle's disease (Type V), are genetic disorders caused by defects in enzymes involved in glycogenolysis, leading to hypoglycemia, muscle cramps, and other symptoms.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'Breakdown', 'glycogen', and 'glucose'.
The question asks for the specific term for the breakdown of glycogen.
Examine the options by breaking down their root words. The suffix '-lysis' means 'to break down' or 'split'.
Option A, 'Glycolysis', means the breakdown of 'glyco-' (sugar, specifically glucose). This is related but not specific to glycogen.
Option B, 'Proteolysis', means the breakdown of 'proteo-' (protein). This is incorrect.
Option C, 'Glycogenolysis', means the breakdown of 'glycogen'. This directly matches the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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