Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is glycogenolysis?

1. The conversion of glucose into glycogen

2. The conversion of stored glycogen into glucose

3. The breakdown of fat into glucose

4. The process of insulin secretion

The correct answer is: The conversion of stored glycogen into glucose

Glycogenolysis refers specifically to the metabolic process where stored glycogen is converted back into glucose. This process primarily occurs in the liver and muscle tissues when the body requires energy and glucose levels are low. During glycogenolysis, enzymes break down glycogen, releasing glucose molecules into the bloodstream, which can then be used by the body’s cells for energy. Understanding glycogenolysis is important, especially in the context of maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting or intense physical activity. For example, during exercise, when muscle cells need a quick source of energy, glycogen stored in those muscles is converted to glucose through glycogenolysis, providing the necessary fuel. In contrast, other processes mentioned in the question do not pertain to the breakdown of glycogen. For instance, converting glucose into glycogen refers to glycogenesis, while breaking down fat into glucose involves gluconeogenesis, which is entirely different. Insulin secretion relates to the regulation of blood glucose levels but is also not a definition of glycogenolysis.