Debranching enzyme in glycogenolysis hydrolyzes which one of the following bonds to release free glucose?
## **Core Concept**
Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, a crucial process for energy supply in the body. The debranching enzyme plays a key role in this process by acting on branched glycogen structures. The **debranching enzyme**, also known as **α-1,4-glucan:α-1,4-glucan-6-glycosyltransferase** and **amylo-1,6-glucosidase**, is involved in the hydrolysis of specific bonds in glycogen.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves the action of the debranching enzyme on **α-1,6-glycosidic bonds**. Glycogen is a branched polymer of glucose, with glucose units linked together by **α-1,4-glycosidic bonds** and the branch points connected by **α-1,6-glycosidic bonds**. The debranching enzyme specifically hydrolyzes the **α-1,6-glycosidic bond** at the branch points. This action releases a glucose molecule directly, contributing to the increase in blood glucose levels during glycogenolysis.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option refers to **α-1,4-glycosidic bonds**, which are indeed present in glycogen but are not the target for debranching enzyme action. These bonds are primarily hydrolyzed by **glycogen phosphorylase** to produce glucose-1-phosphate.
- **Option B:** This option seems to represent another type of glycosidic bond but is not accurately described. However, based on the context, it's clear that **α-1,6-glycosidic bonds** are the focus for debranching enzyme activity.
- **Option C:** This option might imply **β-glycosidic bonds**, which are not relevant to glycogenolysis. **β-glycosidic bonds** are more commonly associated with other types of glycosidic linkages, such as those in cellulose or lactose.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical point to remember is that **Cori's disease** (also known as **debranching enzyme deficiency** or **glycogen storage disease type III**) results from a deficiency of the debranching enzyme. This deficiency leads to an accumulation of abnormal glycogen with short outer branches, resembling **limit dextrins**, and affects the liver, heart, and muscles.
## **Correct Answer:** .