Which conversion requires glucose-6-phosphatase?

The conversion that requires glucose-6-phosphatase is the process of converting liver glycogen into glucose. This enzyme plays a critical role in gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, which are metabolic pathways utilized by the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream, especially during fasting or low-carbohydrate intake.

Glucose-6-phosphatase catalyzes the final step in glycogenolysis, where glucose-6-phosphate, produced from glycogen breakdown, is dephosphorylated to free glucose, allowing it to be released into circulation. This is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels. The significance of this enzyme is especially apparent since muscle cells lack glucose-6-phosphatase; therefore, they cannot release glucose into the bloodstream, even though they can store glycogen.

Understanding the role of glucose-6-phosphatase is vital when considering energy metabolism and blood sugar regulation. It highlights how the liver contributes to maintaining metabolic homeostasis by controlling glucose availability from stored glycogen.