ATP Production : Body cells requiring immediate energy – glucose is oxidized to produce ATP. Glucose not needed for immediate ATP can enter one of several other metabolic pathways. Discussed later. Amino Acid Synthesis : Cells can use glucose to form several amino acids, which can then be incorporated into proteins. Glycogen Synthesis : Hepatocytes and muscle fibres can perform Glycogenesis where 100s of glucose monomers are combined to form the polysaccharide glycogen. Triglyceride Synthesis : When glycogen storage areas are filled up, hepatocytes can transform the glucose to glycerol and fatty acids that can be used for lipogenesis – the synthesis of triglycerides. Triglycerides are then deposited in adipose tissue which has virtually unlimited storage capacity. Movement of glucose into body cells is first through the plasma membrane and then into the cytosol. In the GI tract and tubules of the kidneys, this is accomplished by Secondary Active Transport (Na+, Glucose symporters). In most other cells glucose entry is via Facilitated Diffusion .
Upon entering the cell(s), glucose becomes phosphorylated.
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