THE HISTORY OF LINEAR GLUCOSE
Synthesis
In humans, glucose is found in the bloodstream, and it is commonly referred to as blood sugar. It is regenerated following the intake of glucose, where the excess travels to the liver and is stored as glycogen through glycogenesis. Then, when glucose is needed, glycogenolysis takes place, transforming the glycogen back into glucose where it can be used by bodily tissues. In the event that glucose is needed without its direct intake, gluconeogenesis takes place. Gluconeogenesis is the transformation of amino acids and carbohydrates to generate glucose.
In plants, glucose is found in the sap. It is manufactured through photosynthesis in the chloroplasts. Photosynthesis is the process of a plant using carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to generate energy (glucose) for itself.
In plants, glucose is found in the sap. It is manufactured through photosynthesis in the chloroplasts. Photosynthesis is the process of a plant using carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to generate energy (glucose) for itself.
Who discovered it?
Glucose was first isolated in 1747. It was found in raisins by Andreas Marggraf. Maggraf was a German chemist that worked in Berlin. Raisins are composed of several different sugars, such as fructose, sucrose, and glucose. Maggraf isolated a white powder which he called "eine Art Zucke." Marggraf tested the melting point of the white powder to ensure that it was an isolated substance, and it passed the test by having a specific melting point of 302 degrees Fahrenheit. It was later named glucose by Jean Dumas in 1838. Glucose is derived from the Greek word glycos meaning sugar. Emil Fischer determined the structure of glucose in 1891.
Purpose
Glucose is the most important monosaccharide in human beings. Glucose is referred to as blood sugar and it is found in the blood stream. Glucose produces carbon dioxide, water, and some nitrogen compounds. In this process, energy is provided. This energy is available for use by the cells. The energy yield is about 686 kilocalories (2870 kilojoules) per mole of glucose.
Issues
There are no evidence that suggests that linear glucose is toxic or has storage issues. However, there are some issues that can occur within the human body involving glucose. For example, diabetes, or hyperglycemia, is an excess of glucose in the blood, tagged with a lack of insulin. This excess of glucose would not be a problem if it weren't for the lack of insulin, which induces glycogenesis. Type one diabetes is a result of liver failure, and can be treated with injections of insulin. There is not currently a cure, but stem-cell research is encouraging scientists to develop new hypotheses and discover potential ways to eventually remedy type one. Type two diabetes is acquired diabetes, and it can be treated with injections of insulin, and changes in diet and exercise. These lifestyle changes can also be the cure to type two, and lower the risk of acquiring type two, if they are applied in a healthy manner. If hyperglycemia goes untreated, it can develop into Ketoacidosis, also known as diabetic coma. This is when an excess of glucose and lack of insulin cause the body to begin to break down fats to use for energy.