True statements about Glucokinase is/are
**Core Concept**
Glucokinase is a key enzyme involved in glucose metabolism in the liver, playing a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. It is a hexokinase isoenzyme that phosphorylates glucose to form glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) in the presence of ATP, with a high Km for glucose, allowing it to be active at high glucose concentrations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Glucokinase is specifically expressed in the pancreatic beta cells and the liver, where it facilitates the uptake of glucose and its subsequent storage as glycogen. The high Km of glucokinase allows it to be active when glucose levels are high, enabling the liver to store excess glucose as glycogen, thus regulating blood glucose levels. This process is essential for maintaining normal glucose homeostasis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because glucokinase is not primarily involved in glycolysis, which is the breakdown of glucose to pyruvate.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because glucokinase is not a major enzyme in the regulation of glucose uptake in muscles and adipose tissue.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because glucokinase is not a key enzyme in the regulation of glucose production in the liver.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Glucokinase is the primary glucose sensor in the liver and pancreatic beta cells, and its activity is essential for maintaining normal glucose homeostasis. This highlights the importance of glucokinase in regulating blood glucose levels and preventing diabetes mellitus.
**Correct Answer: A. Glucokinase is a hexokinase isoenzyme that phosphorylates glucose to form glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) in the presence of ATP, with a high Km for glucose, allowing it to be active at high glucose concentrations.**