355
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 1:
Line 1: − + + − + Line 12:
Line 13: − [[Image:Glucose.gif]]
no edit summary
'''Glucose'''(C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>O<sub>6</sub>, also known as ''D-glucose'', ''dextrose'', and ''blood sugar'') is the main source of energy in most animals and plants. It can be found in almost all plants, because it is the product of [[photosynthesis]]. In humans, it is the major source of energy via the formation of [[adenosine tri-phosphate]] ([[ATP]]) in a process called [[oxidative phosphorylation]], the end point of mammalian [[cellular respiration]].
'''Glucose'''(C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>O<sub>6</sub>, also known as ''D-glucose'', ''dextrose'', and ''blood sugar'') is a six carbon [[aldose]] (hexose) [[monosaccharide]], the main source of energy in most animals and plants. It can be found in almost all plants, because it is the product of [[photosynthesis]]. In humans, it is the major source of energy via the formation of [[adenosine tri-phosphate]] ([[ATP]]) in a process called [[oxidative phosphorylation]], the end point of mammalian [[cellular respiration]].
[[Image:Glucose.gif]]
===Absorption in mammals===
===Absorption in mammals===
Upon ingesting glucose, it is absorbed into the blood stream by the [[small intestine]], carried to the [[liver]] via the [[portal vein]] where a portion is stored as [[glycogen]] or transformed into [[triacylglycerols]] ([[triglycerides]]) and packaged with specific proteins generating [[Very Low Density Lipoproteins]] ([[VLDL]]s). These lipid-protein particles then re-enter the circulation where they are hydrolyzed by the endothelial bound enzyme [[lipoprotein lipase]] (LPL) into Intermediate and [[Low Density Lipoproteins]] ([[LDL]]s), yielding fatty acids and mono-glycerides. These molecules are absorbed by adipocytes (fat cells) where they are reassembled into fats and stored as energy reserves. In addition to the liver, glucose is also stored as glycogen in skeletal muscle cells.
Upon ingesting glucose, it is absorbed into the blood stream by the [[small intestine]], carried to the [[liver]] via the [[portal vein]] where a portion is stored as [[glycogen]] or transformed into [[triacylglycerols]] ([[triglycerides]]) and packaged with specific proteins generating [[Very Low Density Lipoproteins]] ([[VLDL]]s). These lipid-protein particles then re-enter the circulation where they are hydrolyzed by the endothelial bound enzyme [[lipoprotein lipase]] (LPL) into Intermediate and [[Low Density Lipoproteins]] ([[LDL]]s), ultimately yielding free fatty acids and monoglycerides. These molecules are absorbed by adipocytes (fat cells) where they are reassembled into fats and stored as energy reserves. In addition to the liver, glucose is also stored as glycogen in skeletal muscle cells.
===Pathology involving glucose===
===Pathology involving glucose===
Glucose is used a lot in cooking, especially baking and making various types of sweets. It is used so commonly in baking because it is readily [[ferment]]ed, or fed on, by [[yeast]]. It is used to make a lot of candies and frostings because it doesn't crystallize easily.
Glucose is used a lot in cooking, especially baking and making various types of sweets. It is used so commonly in baking because it is readily [[ferment]]ed, or fed on, by [[yeast]]. It is used to make a lot of candies and frostings because it doesn't crystallize easily.
[[Category:Organic Chemistry]]
[[Category:Organic Chemistry]]
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Biochemistry]]