glikoz

Glikoz, commonly known as glucose, is a simple aldohexose and the most important metabolite in energy metabolism. Its chemical formula is C6H12O6. In water, glucose exists mainly as cyclic hemiacetals, with a small amount of the open-chain form. The molecule has two enantiomers, D-glucose and L-glucose, of which D-glucose is the form most widely used by living organisms. In solution, glucose also forms alpha- and beta-glucopyranose anomers that interconvert through mutarotation.

Biological role and metabolism: Glucose is a primary energy source for cells. During glycolysis, it is oxidized to pyruvate with the production of ATP. In mammals, uptake of glucose into tissues is mediated by glucose transporters (GLUT family) and is tightly regulated by hormones such as insulin. The brain and red blood cells rely heavily on glucose for energy. Glucose also serves as a precursor for biosynthetic pathways and is stored as glycogen in liver and muscle tissues.

Occurrence and production: Glucose occurs naturally in fruits, honey, and as a breakdown product of many carbohydrates. Industrially, it is produced by hydrolysis of starch (for example from corn or wheat) and is further refined or enzymatically converted to fuel various processes. It is widely used as a sweetener (dextrose) and as a feedstock in fermentation and chemical synthesis.

Measurement and health relevance: Blood glucose levels are commonly expressed in mg/dL or mmol/L. Fasting levels are typically around 3.9–5.5 mmol/L (70–99 mg/dL); higher values may indicate impaired glucose regulation or diabetes. Management of glucose involves diet, medication, and, when needed, monitoring of glycemic control.