One of the body's key survival mechanisms is gluconeogenesis, a vital metabolic process, and the body's clever way of making glucose when supplies are low.

On this episode of the MCAT Basics podcast, guest host Alex Starks walks through the process of gluconeogenesis. He explains how the body generates glucose when levels drop. Highlighting the liver's role, Alex explains how amino acids, lactate, and glycerol are converted into glucose. The episode also touches on the energy demands of the process and why muscle cells aren't involved in gluconeogenesis.

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Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:15) Overview of glucose metabolism and glycogen storage

(03:37) The liver’s role in maintaining blood glucose levels

(05:11) Glucogenic amino acids and their role in glucose production

(06:06) Conversion of alanine and glutamine to pyruvate

(06:53) Lactate and the Cori cycle

(07:34) Glycerol from triglycerides entering gluconeogenesis

(08:27) The first bypass reaction: Pyruvate to oxaloacetate

(09:55) The role of mitochondria and the malate-aspartate shuttle

(11:00) Phosphoenolpyruvate formation and energy requirements

(12:16) Steps of gluconeogenesis and ATP consumption

(13:38) The second bypass reaction: Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate

(14:16) The third bypass reaction: Glucose 6-phosphate to glucose

(15:31) Gluconeogenesis regulation and the role of glucagon

(17:10) Quiz