GLYCOGENY Meaning and
Definition
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Glycogeny is a term used in biochemistry and physiology to refer to the process of glycogen formation or synthesis. Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that serves as a storage form of glucose in animals, including humans. It is composed of many glucose molecules linked together in a highly branched structure.
During glycogeny, glucose molecules are converted into glycogen and stored primarily in the liver and muscles. This process occurs when there is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream that exceeds immediate energy requirements. The liver plays a significant role in glycogen formation as it acts as a central hub for glucose regulation in the body.
Glycogeny is a highly regulated process, involving a series of biochemical reactions mediated by specific enzymes. The key enzyme involved in glycogen synthesis is glycogen synthase, which catalyzes the addition of glucose molecules to the growing glycogen chain. Another important enzyme, glycogen branching enzyme, facilitates the branching of the glycogen structure, ensuring efficient storage of glucose.
Glycogen serves as an important energy reserve in the body, particularly during periods of fasting or strenuous physical activity when glucose availability is limited. Glycogen stored in the liver can be broken down and released into the bloodstream to maintain glucose homeostasis and provide a source of energy to various organs and tissues. Muscle glycogen, on the other hand, is primarily used by muscle cells themselves as an energy source during exercise.
In summary, glycogeny refers to the process of glycogen synthesis as a means of storing excess glucose for future energy needs in the liver and muscles.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLYCOGENY
- flycogeny
- vlycogeny
- blycogeny
- hlycogeny
- ylycogeny
- tlycogeny
- gkycogeny
- gpycogeny
- goycogeny
- gltcogeny
- glgcogeny
- glhcogeny
- glucogeny
- gl7cogeny
- gl6cogeny
- glyxogeny
- glyvogeny
- glyfogeny
- glydogeny
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