Functions of Gluconeogenesis
The significance of gluconeogenesis include:
1) During starvation or during periods of limited carbohydrate intake, when the levels of liver glycogen are low, gluconeogenesis is important in maintaining adequate blood sugar concentration since a continual supply of glucose is necessary as a source of energy for the nervous system and the erythrocytes.
2) Even when most of the energy requirement ofthe organism is met by the supply of fat, there is always a certain basal requirement for glucose which is provided by gluconeogenesis.
3) During extended exercise, when high catecholamine levels have mobilized carbohydrate and lipid reserves, the gluconeogenic pathway allows the use of lactate from glycolysis and of glycerol from fat break down.
4) During metabolic acidosis, gluconeogenesis in the kidney allows the excretion of an increased number of protons.