In glycogenolysis, adrenaline acts on
**Core Concept**
Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, a critical process for maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting or stress. Adrenaline (epinephrine) plays a key role in regulating glycogenolysis through its action on specific enzymes and receptors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Adrenaline acts on the G-protein coupled beta-2 adrenergic receptors (β2-AR) to stimulate glycogenolysis. Binding of adrenaline to β2-AR activates the Gs protein, which in turn activates adenylyl cyclase. This enzyme increases the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP), a secondary messenger that activates protein kinase A (PKA). PKA phosphorylates and activates the enzyme phosphorylase kinase, which then phosphorylates and activates glycogen phosphorylase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down glycogen to glucose-1-phosphate.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because adrenaline does not act on the G-protein coupled alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (α1-AR) to stimulate glycogenolysis. α1-AR are involved in vasoconstriction and smooth muscle contraction.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because adrenaline does not act on the G-protein coupled alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (α2-AR) to stimulate glycogenolysis. α2-AR are involved in presynaptic inhibition and feedback inhibition of neurotransmitter release.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because adrenaline does not act on the G-protein coupled muscarinic receptors to stimulate glycogenolysis. Muscarinic receptors are involved in parasympathetic transmission and are primarily involved in increasing glycogen synthesis, not breakdown.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because adrenaline does not act on the G-protein coupled dopamine receptors to stimulate glycogenolysis. Dopamine receptors are involved in reward, motivation, and movement control, and are not directly involved in glycogenolysis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that adrenaline's action on β2-AR is a key mechanism for regulating glycogenolysis in response to stress, such as during exercise or fasting. This knowledge can help you understand the physiological basis of various clinical conditions, such as hypoglycemia or glycogen storage diseases.
**Correct Answer:** C.