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.

KP
Answered by Kimberley P. Biology tutor

10820 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can you determine what the direction of the shift is in the Bohr effect?


Where are the Alpha and Beta cells of the Pancreas located and what are their functions in relation to blood glucose homeostasis?


What is the structure of the human gas exchange system- how do we breathe in and out?


How does the Calvin Cycle work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences