What process refers to the synthesis of glycogen?

The synthesis of glycogen is specifically referred to as glycogenesis. This process involves converting glucose into glycogen for storage, primarily in the liver and muscle tissues, to help regulate blood sugar levels and provide energy during periods of fasting or strenuous activity. It starts with glucose, which is phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate and then converted through several steps into glycogen. This is crucial for energy homeostasis in the body, as glycogen serves as a readily available energy source that can be mobilized when needed.

Glycogenolysis, on the other hand, is the process of breaking down glycogen into glucose, while gluconeogenesis refers to the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. Glycolysis is the process of breaking down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP. Each of these processes plays a significant role in carbohydrate metabolism, but glycogenesis specifically applies to the storage of glucose as glycogen.