glycogenolysis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen stores to produce glucose. It is the reverse process to glycogenesis. It occurs in:

• skeletal muscle to liberate glucose for muscular contraction
• the liver, to liberate glucose primarily for release into the bloodstream - due to the presence of glucose-6-phosphatase - but also for glycolysis

Control of glycogenolysis is dependent on hormonal and local factors.