Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What processes are stimulated by glucagon and epinephrine?

1. Glycogen formation and cellular glucose uptake

2. Fatty acid synthesis

3. Glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis

4. Protein synthesis

The correct answer is: Glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis

Glucagon and epinephrine play critical roles in regulating glucose levels in the body, particularly during periods of fasting or stress. When these hormones are released—such as during low blood sugar levels or the fight-or-flight response—they stimulate glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Glycogenolysis is the process wherein glycogen, the stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles, is broken down into glucose molecules. This process increases the availability of glucose in the bloodstream, providing a quick source of energy to vital organs and muscles. Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic pathway that generates glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates, primarily in the liver. It ensures the body can maintain blood glucose levels during prolonged fasting or intense physical activity when glycogen stores are depleted. In contrast, the other options involve processes that are not stimulated by glucagon and epinephrine. For instance, glycogen formation and cellular glucose uptake are more associated with insulin's action, promoting energy storage and lowering blood sugar levels. Fatty acid synthesis occurs primarily under conditions of energy surplus, also dominated by insulin. Protein synthesis, while crucial for cellular functions and growth, does not directly relate to the immediate actions of glucagon and epinephrine, which focus primarily