Chapter 18, Problem 1RE

RECALL Why is it essential that the mechanisms that activate glycogen synthesis also deactivate glycogen phosphorylase?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason that it is essential that the mechanism that activates glycogen synthesis also deactivate glycogen phosphorylase is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Glycogen is a polysaccharide that facilitates the energy storage functions in animals, bacteria, fungi, and humans. It is synthesized and accumulated mostly in the liver and the muscles.

Phosphorylases are considered enzymes that catalyze the summation of a phosphate group from an inorganic phosphate to an acceptor.

Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharide units. They are also called complex carbohydrates.

Answer to Problem 1RE

Solution: These two mechanisms happen in the same cellular compartment. So, the active glycogen synthesis mechanism is responsible for deactivating glycogen phosphorylase.

Explanation of Solution

The mechanism that activates glycogen synthesis also deactivates glycogen phosphorylase and this happens in the same cellular compartment. An ineffective ATP hydrolysis cycle is obtained in case of attaining at the same time. The same mechanism makes them extremely productive via on/off or off/on.

Conclusion

The deactivation of glycogen phosphorylase takes place by the active glycogen synthesis mechanism due to them occurring in the same cellular compartment.