Final answer:
Glycogen synthesis and degradation, known as glycogenesis and glycogenolysis respectively, do not occur at the same time in the same cell. Glycogen synthesis happens when there is excess glucose in the blood, while glycogen degradation occurs when blood sugar levels drop and cells need glucose for energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glycogen synthesis and degradation do not occur at the same time in the same cell. They are regulated by different enzymes and hormonal signals.
Glycogen synthesis, also known as glycogenesis, occurs when there is excess glucose in the blood. It is a process where glucose molecules are added to an existing glycogen chain, creating a larger glycogen molecule. This process is regulated by the hormone insulin, which promotes glycogen synthesis and storage.
Glycogen degradation, also known as glycogenolysis, occurs when blood sugar levels drop and cells need glucose for energy. It is a process where glycogen molecules are broken down into glucose-1-phosphate (G-1-P) and then converted into glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P). This process is regulated by the hormone glucagon, which promotes glycogen breakdown and release of glucose into the blood.