Any natural molecule that consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms is considered organic. Since glucose is made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, it is organic. Glucose is a monosaccharide, the smallest biologically active form of a sugar or carbohydrate. Plants and animals use it as a vital energy source, a necessity to maintaining cellular activity. Dietary glucose can be found in plants and vegetables. Glucose is also a major component of sucrose, or table sugar. Excessive glucose levels can be detrimental to health.
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is an important chemical pathway in our cells, and the first stage of cellular metabolism. Similar to how an old steam-powered locomotive would burn coal as a source of fuel, glycolysis "burns," or degrades, glucose to be utilized as a source of fuel for cells. Glycolysis from a single molecule of glucose will synthesize, or create, two molecules of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. While other monosaccharide sugars such as fructose and maltose can also be utilized in glycolysis, glucose is the most efficient
Aerobic Metabolism
From glucose, glycolysis will synthesize ATP molecules and pyruvate. Under anaerobic conditions or low oxygen conditions, such as in muscle, pyruvate will become lactic acid, a waste product of this pathway. However, in high oxygen levels, as is the case for most human and animal cells, pyruvate will be utilized in two other pathways, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, which will in turn synthesize several more molecules of ATP.
Photosynthesis
While animal cells only consume glucose, plant cells will also synthesize glucose through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use important components from the soil, water and sun to develop glucose. This glucose can then be used in glycolysis to power cellular function in the cells. Due to photosynthesis, plants are an excellent source of glucose and for this reason, an important dietary component of animals. According to Dr. John Blamire from Brooklyn College, 80 percent of human glucose needs comes from ingesting plants.
Health Problems
While glucose sugars are vital and essential for our survival, excessive amounts of this energy source can be detrimental to our health. Erratic glucose or blood sugar levels are often a sign of diabetes, a disease in which our bodies cannot efficiently utilize glucose as an energy source. There are many causes of diabetes, including genetics and diet. High glucose levels can also have effects in cardiac and renal disease as well as cancer.
References
- "Biology, 5th Edition"; John A. Campbell; 1999
- "Role of Carbohydrates"; John Blamire; 2004
- MedlinePlus: Glucose Test - Blood
