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Related Concept Videos

Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State01:18

Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State

The postabsorptive state usually starts about four hours after a meal and lasts until the next meal is eaten. During this time, the digestive system stops absorbing nutrients, and the body uses stored energy reserves to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation01:24

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules01:10

Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules

Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living things consume sugar as a major energy source because sugar molecules have considerable energy stored within their bonds. Consumed carbohydrates have their origins in photosynthesizing organisms like plants. During photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide gas into sugar molecules, like glucose. Because this...
Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules01:10

Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules

Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living things consume sugar as a major energy source because sugar molecules have considerable energy stored within their bonds. Consumed carbohydrates have their origins in photosynthesizing organisms like plants. During photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide gas into sugar molecules, like glucose. Because this...
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism01:19

Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrate metabolism is a fundamental biochemical process that ensures a constant supply of energy to living cells. The most important carbohydrate is glucose, which can be broken down via glycolysis to enter into the Krebs cycle and eventually lead to the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
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In biological systems, most metabolic pathways are interconnected. The cellular respiration processes that convert glucose to ATP—such as glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle—tie into those that break down other organic compounds. As a result, various foods—from apples to cheese to guacamole—end up as ATP. In addition to carbohydrates, food also contains proteins and lipids—such as cholesterol and fats. All of these organic compounds are used as energy sources to produce...

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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Biochemical Titration of Glycogen In vitro
07:16

Biochemical Titration of Glycogen In vitro

Published on: November 24, 2013

Why does the brain (not) have glycogen?

Mauro DiNuzzo1, Bruno Maraviglia, Federico Giove

  • 1Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy. mauro.dinuzzo@roma1.infn.it

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
|February 22, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Brain glycogen mobilization, triggered by increased AMP during neuronal activity, regulates astrocyte glucose levels. This mechanism optimizes glucose delivery to active neurons, supporting sustained brain energy demands.

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Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Biochemical Titration of Glycogen In vitro
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Published on: December 23, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Metabolism
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Brain glycogen serves as a crucial glucose reserve for neuronal function.
  • Astrocytes play a key role in regulating the brain's energy supply.
  • Neuronal activity influences local glucose metabolism and energy substrate availability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a novel hypothesis on the role of brain glycogen in cellular carbohydrate supply.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which astrocytic glycogen impacts neuronal glucose utilization.
  • To highlight the implications for energy metabolism during heightened brain activity.

Main Methods:

  • Formulation of a hypothesis based on existing literature.
  • Review of metabolic pathways involved in brain glycogen metabolism.
  • Analysis of modeling evidence on glucose kinetics in neurons and astrocytes.

Main Results:

  • Astrocytic glycogen mobilization, stimulated by elevated AMP, modulates intracellular glucose phosphates.
  • This process influences hexokinase activity and glucose uptake in astrocytes.
  • The mechanism favors preferential glucose channeling towards activated neurons.

Conclusions:

  • Brain glycogen is a critical determinant of cellular carbohydrate supply.
  • Astrocyte glycogen breakdown is a key regulator of glucose availability for neurons.
  • This pathway significantly impacts the energy compounds sustaining neuronal activity and function.