Answer to Question #174990 in Biochemistry for Akuoko Rockson Junior

Question

Explain why gluconeogenesis is not the mere reversal of glycolysis. Give at least three reasons to support your answer.

Your answer must include the terms, endergonic, exergonic, reciprocal regulation and futile cycle.

Answer 1

Normally, people find it difficult to understand glycolysis parallel to gluconeogenesis. In many instances people take gluconeogenesis as glucose reverse simply because glycolysis entails breakdown of glucose into two pyruvate molecules which helps gather energy and feed the cycle of citric acid. On the other hand, gluconeogenesis normally forms a glucose molecule by using two pyruvates molecules. Besides, there exists several differences making gluconeogenesis not just a reverse of glycolysis.

One of the distinction is that glycolysis is an ancient pathway for metabolic and is common to all cellular life formations where all cells can perform it to obtain energy. On the other hand, unlike glycolysis gluconeogenesis is specific and happens in the liver cells of humans as well in the adrenal cortex. In addition, its work is to produce glucose that is used in stabilizing blood sugar in the bloodstreams.

Another distinction is that gluconeogenesis biochemical details are not similar to those of glycolysis. This is because gluconeogenesis requires to bypass irreversible steps of glycolysis. Lastly, unlike in glycolysis processes, gluconeogenesis pathway is very endergonic and requires to be connected to the hydrolysis of GTP or ATP thus turning the process exergonic.