The process of synthesis of glucose from a non-carbohydrate source is called?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic pathway responsible for generating glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates.
The term breaks down into 'gluco' (glucose), 'neo' (new), and 'genesis' (creation), literally meaning the creation of new glucose.
This process is vital for maintaining blood glucose levels during periods of fasting, starvation, or intense exercise.
The primary precursors for gluconeogenesis are lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids.
It occurs mainly in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidney cortex.

Option A: Lipogenesis is the process of synthesizing fats (lipids), not glucose. It is an anabolic pathway for energy storage in the form of triglycerides.
Option B: Glycogenesis is the process of converting glucose into its storage form, glycogen. It does not create new glucose but rather stores existing glucose.
Option D: Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen to release glucose. It is a catabolic process, the opposite of synthesis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Metabolic pathways of glucose synthesis helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding gluconeogenesis is critical for managing patients with diabetes, as excessive gluconeogenesis can contribute to hyperglycemia.
In prolonged fasting or starvation, gluconeogenesis is the body's lifeline to supply the brain and other glucose-dependent tissues with energy.
Nurses should be aware that conditions like liver disease or excessive alcohol intake can impair gluconeogenesis, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem to identify the key process: 'synthesis of glucose' from a 'non-carbohydrate source'.
Break down the terminology of the options. The prefixes and suffixes often reveal the meaning.
'Genesis' means creation or synthesis.
'Lysis' means breakdown.
'Gluco' refers to glucose, 'Glyco' to glycogen, and 'Lipo' to lipids (fats).
'Neo' means new.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 251-253

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 34-36

E6 Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry2023 (pp 26-793 of 813) p. 119-121

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.