Gluconeogenesis is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors e.g.:
Gluconeogenesis occurs predominantly in the liver; it can also occur in the renal cortex. The pathway contains many enzymes which are active in glycolysis. However, gluconeogenesis is not simply a reversal of glycolysis as the enzymes pyruvate kinase, 6-phosphofructokinase and hexokinase have their equilibrium in favour of the forward reaction. New enzymes need to be recruited to the cause.
Gluconeogenesis has a key role in the maintenance of blood glucose levels during certain stresses e.g. prolonged starvation. After 12-24 hours of fasting, glycogen reserves are depleted and the body reverts to gluconeogenesis to supply glucose for tissues with an obligatory dependence e.g. the brain.
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