Glukóz

Glukóz, also known as dextrose, is a simple sugar with the molecular formula C6H12O6. It is one of the most important carbohydrates in biology, serving as a source of energy for cells. Glukóz is a monosaccharide, meaning it cannot be broken down into simpler sugars through hydrolysis. It is a key component of many complex carbohydrates, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

In its crystalline form, glukóz is a white, odorless, and sweet-tasting powder. It is highly soluble in water. Glukóz plays a vital role in metabolism. After being ingested or synthesized by the body, it is transported through the bloodstream to various tissues where it is used to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process, known as cellular respiration, involves the breakdown of glukóz in the presence of oxygen.

Plants produce glukóz through photosynthesis, where light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This glukóz is then stored as starch or used for growth. Animals obtain glukóz from their diet, primarily from consuming plant-based foods. The regulation of blood glukóz levels is crucial for maintaining health. Hormones like insulin and glucagon work together to keep blood glukóz within a narrow range, preventing conditions such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin action.