What is gluconeogenesis?

Gluconeogenesis is an important pathway in the metabolism of the human body. It is a part of carbohydrate metabolism. The process involves synthesis of new glucose within the liver. It uses no-carbohydrate precursors to create the glucose molecule and forms glucose the non-photosynthetic way. It can use glycerol as well as protein in its synthesis. It can also use lactate.

The method uses other macromolecules in the body to ensure a constant supply of glucose. This is because most tissues in the body can only use glucose as a source of energy. The process is linked and controlled by other pathways the metabolic pathway.

The term gluconeogenesis consists of three different words: Gluco (Glucose) + Neo (New) + Genesis (Formation or Creation). So, Gluconeogenesis (GNG) can be defined as a biochemical process that consists of the creation of Glucose from non-carbohydrate elements such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids.

Gluconeogenesis is a vital process in human beings and in many other animals for preventing their blood glucose level from going below the normal level which can lead to hypoglycemia and other complications.