If glucose-6-phosphatase were deficient in liver, what would best characterize the expected change in metabolism relative to the normal state?
A) decreased energy supply to the liver and hepatic cell death
B) hyperglycemia after a normal meal
C) decreased rate of ketogenesis
D) depletion of glycogen stores in liver
E) hypoglycemia one or two hours after a meal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Glucose-6-phosphatase plays a key role in glucose homeostasis by allowing the liver to convert glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) to glucose which can then be released into the bloodstream to maintain blood glucose levels. Therefore, if glucose-6-phosphatase were deficient in the liver, the liver would not be able to release glucose into the bloodstream, leading to hypoglycemia one or two hours after a meal. This is because the liver would not be able to release glucose to maintain blood glucose levels in response to increased insulin secretion after a meal, leading to a decrease in blood glucose levels.

If Glucose-6-Phosphatase Were Deficient in Liver, What Would Best Characterize