Question

What happens to glycogen when blood sugar drops?

a) Glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood.
b) Glycogen is broken down to release fatty acids.
c) Glycogen synthesis is stimulated to replenish blood sugar.
d) Glycogen stores are reduced to conserve energy.

Answer 1

When blood sugar is low, glycogen stored in liver and muscle cells is converted to glucose and released into the bloodstream to correct the deficit, a process known as glycogenolysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When blood sugar drops, the body's response is to convert glycogen into glucose to maintain homeostasis. Specifically, glycogen stored in the liver and muscle cells is broken down into glucose 1-phosphate (G-1-P), which is then converted into glucose 6-phosphate (G-6-P). This G-6-P can either be used directly in glycolysis or can be converted into free glucose, which then enters the bloodstream to increase blood glucose levels. This process is known as glycogenolysis, and it is stimulated by the hormone glucagon when blood sugar levels are low.

Therefore, the correct answer to what happens to glycogen when blood sugar drops is: a) Glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood.