gluconeogenesis path way...

Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway that allows the body to synthesize glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, glycerol, and lactate. This pathway is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels, especially during periods of fasting or when dietary sources of glucose are limited. Gluconeogenesis mainly occurs in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidneys. Here is an overview of the key steps and intermediates in the gluconeogenesis pathway:Show more

Pyruvate Carboxylation: The starting point of gluconeogenesis is the conversion of pyruvate to oxaloacetate. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase, which requires biotin and ATP as cofactors. The reaction occurs in the mitochondria.

Pyruvate + CO2 + ATP → Oxaloacetate + ADP + Pi

Oxaloacetate Shuttle: Oxaloacetate cannot cross the mitochondrial membrane directly. It is first converted to malate by malate dehydrogenase, which then transports malate into the cytoplasm. Once in the cytoplasm, malate is converted back to oxaloacetate.

Conversion to Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP): In the cytoplasm, oxaloacetate is converted to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) by the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). This reaction consumes GTP.

Oxaloacetate + GTP → PEP + CO2 + GDP + Pi

Conversion to 2-Phosphoglycerate (2-PG): PEP is then converted to 2-phosphoglycerate (2-PG) through a series of enzymatic reactions, including the removal of a phosphate group and the addition of another phosphate.

Conversion to 3-Phosphoglycerate (3-PG): 2-PG is isomerized to 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG).

Glycolytic Pathway Reversal: The remaining steps of gluconeogenesis are essentially the reverse of the early steps in glycolysis. The conversion of 3-PG to glucose involves several enzyme-catalyzed reactions:

3-PG is converted to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG).
1,3-BPG is dephosphorylated to 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG).
3-PG is isomerized to 2-phosphoglycerate (2-PG).
2-PG is dehydrated to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP).
Conversion to Glucose: The final step involves the conversion of PEP to glucose through the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase. This enzyme removes the phosphate group from PEP to form glucose, which can then be released into the bloodstream.

It's important to note that gluconeogenesis is an energy-demanding process, as it requires ATP and GTP for certain reactions. It is tightly regulated to ensure that glucose production occurs when needed, such as during fasting or periods of increased energy demand, and is inhibited when blood glucose levels are sufficient. Hormones like glucagon and cortisol promote gluconeogenesis, while insulin inhibits it.

This pathway helps to maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range, ensuring a steady supply of glucose for vital organs like the brain when dietary glucose is not available.