How does the adrenaline hormone cause the conversion of glycogen to glucose?

This can best be described as the second messenger model. Adrenaline is a hydrophillic hormone so it only acts on receptors on the cell surface membranes. The hormone fuses to the receptor site which then activates the release of an enzyme called adenyl cyclase. This enzyme helps convert ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP).cAMP behaves as the second messenger. An increase in cAMP levels activates specific enzymes called protein kinases which then phosphorylate and active other key enzymes, such as digestive enzymes. These all work together to convert (break down) glycogen to glucose.The second messenger model is a model regularly seen throughout human biology in various processes, mostly including the use of hydrophillic hormones.

Answered by Kimberley P. Biology tutor

9815 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you explain the difference between type I and type II diabetes?


What are phagocytes and how do they protect the body?


Describe how altered DNA can lead to cancer.


What is the role of ATP in a cell?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences