Which term describes the breakdown of glycogen into glucose?

Glycogenolysis is the correct term that describes the process of breaking down glycogen into glucose. This biochemical pathway occurs primarily in the liver and muscle tissues, where glycogen serves as a stored form of glucose. During glycogenolysis, enzymes such as glycogen phosphorylase play a critical role in cleaving the glucose units from glycogen, ultimately releasing glucose into the bloodstream for energy production or metabolic use.

Understanding this process is essential, especially in the context of maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting or strenuous exercise. When the body's demand for glucose rises, such as during periods of physical activity or when dietary intake is insufficient, glycogenolysis becomes a crucial source of readily available glucose.

In contrast, glycolysis refers to the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, while glycogenesis is the synthesis of glycogen from glucose. Gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, such as amino acids or glycerol. Each of these processes has its distinct role in carbohydrate metabolism, but glycogenolysis specifically addresses the mobilization of stored glucose from glycogen reserves.