Category: G

Molecules of glucose attached loosely to the hemoglobin molecule. Levels of AlC are indicators of glucose control. Values less than 5.7 indicate good glucose control; values in the range of 5.7-6.4 indicate an increased risk for the development of diabetes mellitus. Used to test circulating glucose blood levels over the life span of a red…

Glycogen synthesis begins with glucose-1-phosphate formation from glucose-6-phosphate through the action of phosphoglucomutase. Glucose-l-phosphate then is converted to uridinediphosphate glucose (UDP-glucose), which can then be added to the glycogen already in storage (the glycogen primer). UDP-glucose can be added through a 1,6 linkage or a 1,4 linkage. Two high-energy bonds are used to incorporate each…

Genetic diseases that are characterized by excess glycogen stores. Rare autosomal recessive diseases due to mutations in the genes that encode different enzymes needed for glycogen metabolism. Any one of several heritable diseases characterized by the abnormal storage and accumulation of glycogen in the tissues, especially in the liver. These diseases are grouped into various…

Bile acid required for fat digestion and absorption. Glucose polymer formed in mammalian liver and muscle. A storage form of glucose. Glycogen, when stimulated to release its glucose by the catabolic hormones, glucagon, epinephrine, the glucocorticoids, and thyroxine, and/or by the absence of food in the digestive tract, provides glucose to the body. Because the…

Minor components of potatoes and tomatoes that are toxic if consumed in large quantities. Steroidal alkaloids are mainly present as glycosides in the family of Solanaceae, including the potato and the tomato. The major glycoalkaloids in potatoes are solanine and chaconine, both glycosides of solanidine. Solanine and chaconine are potent irritants of the intestinal mucosa…

A shuttle for the transfer of reducing equivalents into the mitochondria from the cytosol. This shuttle is a rate-limiting step for glycolysis.  

A sulfonylurea that acts as a hypoglycemic agent. This is an oral medication used to lower blood sugar levels and treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drug encourages the pancreas to boost insulin production. Side effects are not common, but they might include mild nausea and diarrhea. If the medication is not consumed with enough…

The eating of dirt; an abnormal appetite. The irresistible consumption of earthy substances, such as sand, soil, and clay, in a compulsive manner.  

Food from species whose genetic code has been modified either through selective breeding or gene transfer. Genetic changes have been introduced to improve the quality of the food, to hasten its production, or to improve its physical characteristics. Any crop or agricultural product altered by biological engineering for drought resistance, increased growth, resistance to pests…

A fibric acid derivative that serves to lower blood lipids. Oral agent useful in the treatment of elevated serum triglyceride levels, with a variable effect on hypercholesterolemia. Although dietary measures should be tried first, this agent has been successful. A drug used to lower both cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is an antilipemic drug…