Final answer:
The signaling pathway triggered by epinephrine in liver cells causes glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis), inhibits glycogen synthesis, and increases glucose availability to muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epinephrine Signaling Pathway in Liver Cells
When the body is subjected to stress, epinephrine is released to elicit the fight-or-flight response. In the liver cells, the signaling pathway activated by epinephrine leads to glycogen breakdown. This process, known as glycogenolysis, is initiated by the activation of the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase, which breaks down glycogen into glucose. Furthermore, this signaling inhibits glycogen synthase, preventing glycogen synthesis from occurring. The glucose produced is then released into the bloodstream, increasing the amount of glucose available for muscles and other tissues. This is essential for providing the energy needed during acute stress or danger.