Difference between revisions of "Glucose"
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| − | '''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 | + | 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=== | ||
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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. | ||
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[[Category:Organic Chemistry]] | [[Category:Organic Chemistry]] | ||
[[Category:Biochemistry]] | [[Category:Biochemistry]] | ||
Revision as of 03:23, August 23, 2007
Glucose(C6H12O6, 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.
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 (VLDLs). 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 (LDLs), 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
When there is not enough glucose in your body, you start experiencing the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Because the lack of glucose inhibits your cells from operating properly, you will feel fatigued, light headed, and nauseous. In extreme cases, people can go into comas. A common disorder called diabetes is caused by your body's inability to use glucose productively. This can happen when your body doesn't produce enough insulin, or you become "glucose intolerant" from lack of exercise and bad diet.
Other uses
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 fermented, or fed on, by yeast. It is used to make a lot of candies and frostings because it doesn't crystallize easily.