Cori Cycle

Definition

The Cori cycle is a metabolic pathway that describes the process in which lactate produced in the muscles during anaerobic glycolysis is transported to the liver and converted back into glucose. This cycle plays a vital role in maintaining blood sugar levels and energy supply, particularly during periods of intense exercise when oxygen is limited.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cori cycle helps recycle lactate produced by muscles back into glucose, providing a continuous energy source during strenuous activity.
2. During the cycle, lactate travels from the muscles through the bloodstream to the liver, where it undergoes conversion back to glucose.
3. The conversion of lactate to glucose in the liver involves several enzymatic steps and requires ATP, which can lead to an overall energy cost.
4. The Cori cycle is particularly active during high-intensity exercise when oxygen availability is low, allowing for sustained muscle performance.
5. This cycle illustrates the interconnectedness of different metabolic processes, showcasing how muscle activity and liver function collaborate to regulate energy production.

Review Questions

• How does the Cori cycle contribute to energy management during anaerobic exercise?
  • The Cori cycle contributes to energy management by allowing muscles to continue producing ATP through anaerobic glycolysis, even when oxygen is scarce. As lactate accumulates in the muscles, it is transported to the liver, where it is converted back into glucose. This process not only helps replenish glucose stores but also enables sustained muscle activity during high-intensity exercise by providing an ongoing energy source.
• Discuss the role of lactate in the Cori cycle and its significance for muscle and liver metabolism.
  • Lactate plays a crucial role in the Cori cycle as it serves as a key intermediate between muscle and liver metabolism. When muscles operate under anaerobic conditions, they produce lactate, which then enters the bloodstream and reaches the liver. In the liver, lactate is converted back into glucose through gluconeogenesis, thus facilitating a metabolic link that allows for efficient energy recycling and maintaining blood glucose levels.
• Evaluate how disruptions in the Cori cycle can impact overall metabolic health and athletic performance.
  • Disruptions in the Cori cycle can lead to an accumulation of lactate in muscles, resulting in fatigue and decreased athletic performance. When this cycle is impaired, the recycling of lactate into glucose is hindered, potentially causing low blood sugar levels during prolonged physical activity. Furthermore, individuals with metabolic disorders may experience challenges in maintaining energy homeostasis, emphasizing the importance of this cycle for both general metabolic health and optimal athletic performance.

Related terms

Glycolysis: A series of enzymatic reactions that break down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP, occurring in the cytoplasm of cells.

Lactate: A byproduct of anaerobic metabolism formed when glucose is converted to energy without sufficient oxygen, often accumulating in muscles during intense exercise.

Gluconeogenesis: The metabolic process through which organisms synthesize glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, primarily occurring in the liver.