Where does the process of gluconeogenesis primarily occur in the body?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: The process of gluconeogenesis primarily occurs in the liver.
Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic process by which the body produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as lactate, glycerol, and glucogenic amino acids. This process is especially important during periods of fasting, intense exercise, or carbohydrate restriction, when blood glucose levels begin to drop and the body requires an alternative source of energy.
The liver is the main organ responsible for gluconeogenesis. It plays a crucial role in maintaining normal blood glucose levels, especially for the brain, red blood cells, and other glucose-dependent tissues. During fasting, the liver converts substances like lactate, which is produced by anaerobic metabolism in muscles, into glucose. Amino acids from muscle protein breakdown and glycerol from fat breakdown also serve as substrates for gluconeogenesis in the liver.
The kidney also contributes to gluconeogenesis, particularly during prolonged fasting or starvation. However, its contribution is minor compared to the liver’s role. In the liver, gluconeogenesis mainly takes place in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of liver cells. Key enzymes such as pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphatase regulate this process. These enzymes work in coordination to bypass the irreversible steps of glycolysis and produce glucose efficiently.
The glucose synthesized through gluconeogenesis is then released into the bloodstream to maintain energy supply for tissues that depend on glucose. This process is essential for survival during extended periods without food. Hormones such as glucagon and cortisol stimulate gluconeogenesis, while insulin suppresses it. By enabling the body to produce its own glucose, gluconeogenesis helps maintain energy homeostasis and supports metabolic flexibility.