glukozo

Glukozo, also known as glucose, is a simple sugar and a primary source of energy for living organisms. It is a monosaccharide, meaning it cannot be broken down into simpler carbohydrates through hydrolysis. Its chemical formula is C6H12O6. Glukozo plays a vital role in cellular respiration, the process by which cells convert nutrients into ATP, the energy currency of life.

In humans and many other animals, glukozo is absorbed from digested food into the bloodstream. Its concentration in the blood, known as blood glucose, is tightly regulated by hormones like insulin and glucagon. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting its uptake into cells, while glucagon raises them by stimulating the breakdown of stored glycogen in the liver. Disruptions in this regulation can lead to conditions such as diabetes mellitus.

Glukozo is also a building block for more complex carbohydrates like starch, glycogen, and cellulose. Plants produce glukozo through photosynthesis, converting light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into this essential sugar. It serves as a readily available fuel for plants and can be stored for later use. The production, utilization, and regulation of glukozo are fundamental processes across the biological world.