Gluconeogenesis enzyme stimulated in starvation
**Core Concept**
Gluconeogenesis is a metabolic pathway that generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, lactate, and glycerol. In starvation, the body shifts towards gluconeogenesis to maintain blood glucose levels and provide energy to vital organs.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
During starvation, the body increases the expression and activity of key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. This increase in enzyme activity allows the liver to convert amino acids, lactate, and glycerol into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. The stimulation of gluconeogenesis helps to maintain blood glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify a gluconeogenic enzyme.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is a glucogenic enzyme, not gluconeogenic. Glucogenic enzymes are involved in the conversion of amino acids to glucose, but they are not stimulated in starvation.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a key enzyme in glycolysis, not gluconeogenesis. Pyruvate kinase is involved in the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate, which is the opposite of gluconeogenesis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In starvation, the body's ability to generate glucose through gluconeogenesis is crucial for maintaining blood glucose levels and preventing hypoglycemia. This is why gluconeogenic enzymes, such as PEPCK and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, are stimulated in starvation.
**Correct Answer:** C. Pyruvate kinase is not the correct answer, the actual correct answer is not present in your query.