Post prandial utilization of glucose is by which enzyme?
**Core Concept**
The postprandial utilization of glucose refers to the process by which the body utilizes glucose after a meal. This process involves the coordinated action of several enzymes and hormones to regulate blood glucose levels.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is glucokinase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the postprandial utilization of glucose. Glucokinase is a hexokinase isoenzyme that is primarily found in the liver and pancreatic beta cells. It facilitates the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), which is then further metabolized to produce energy or stored as glycogen. Glucokinase has a high Km for glucose, allowing it to be activated only in the presence of high glucose concentrations, making it an ideal enzyme for postprandial glucose utilization.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Hexokinase is another enzyme that phosphorylates glucose to G6P, but it is not specific to postprandial glucose utilization and has a lower Km for glucose compared to glucokinase.
* **Option B:** Phosphoglucose isomerase is an enzyme involved in the glycolytic pathway, but it is not directly involved in postprandial glucose utilization.
* **Option D:** Glucose-6-phosphatase is an enzyme involved in glucose production in the liver, but it is not involved in postprandial glucose utilization.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Glucokinase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that affects glucose metabolism and can lead to hypoglycemia. It is essential to recognize this condition in patients with unexplained hypoglycemia, especially in the context of a family history of diabetes.
**Correct Answer: C. Glucokinase**