Hormone that stimulates gluconeogenesis is:
**Core Concept**
The process of gluconeogenesis is a critical metabolic pathway that generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, lactate, and glycerol. This process is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting or when glucose is in short supply. The hormone that stimulates gluconeogenesis plays a key role in regulating this pathway.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The hormone that stimulates gluconeogenesis is glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas in response to low blood glucose levels. It acts on the liver and kidneys to stimulate the production of glucose through gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Glucagon binds to its receptor on the surface of hepatocytes, triggering a signaling cascade that ultimately leads to the activation of key enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, such as glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. This results in the increased production of glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not a hormone that stimulates gluconeogenesis.
**Option B:** This option is not a hormone that stimulates gluconeogenesis.
**Option D:** This option is not a hormone that stimulates gluconeogenesis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that glucagon and insulin are two hormones that have opposing effects on glucose metabolism. Glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, while insulin inhibits these processes. This reciprocal relationship between glucagon and insulin is critical for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis.
**Correct Answer: C. Glucagon. Glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis by activating key enzymes and promoting the production of glucose in the liver and kidneys.**