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Glycogenesis
biochemistry
Glycogenesis, the formation of glycogen, the primary carbohydrate stored in the liver and muscle cells of animals, from glucose. Glycogenesis takes place when blood glucose levels are sufficiently high to allow excess glucose to be stored in liver and muscle cells.
Glycogenesis is stimulated by the hormone insulin. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into muscle cells, though it is not required for the transport of glucose into liver cells. However, insulin has profound effects on glucose metabolism in liver cells, stimulating glycogenesis and inhibiting glycogenolysis, the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Compare glycogenolysis.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.
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