Glycogenolysis

/ˌɡlaɪkədʒəˈnɒlɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

The biological breakdown of glycogen into glucose, which releases energy when the body needs fuel, especially during exercise or between meals.

Etymology

From Greek 'glykys' (sweet) + 'gennao' (produce) + 'lysis' (breaking down). This 19th-century biochemical term describes the reverse of glycogenesis, using 'lysis' to indicate the splitting process.

Kelly Says

This is why you can run a 5K even if you haven't eaten in 6 hours—your liver constantly performs glycogenolysis to keep your blood sugar steady, breaking apart those stored glucose warehouses on demand!

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